Wrongful death resulting from an accident? Our Pennsylvania attorneys can help.

Wrongful death is the term used to when the inappropriate actions - or negligence - of a person, company, or entity results in a person's death. Negligence can be an intentional act or a momentary act of recklessness or carelessness.

It is truly tragic when an accident caused by someone else's negligence results in the death of a loved one. To protect certain family members in these terribly unfortunate situations, Pennsylvania law provides for wrongful death and survival actions.

Wrongful death action. A wrongful death action may be brought by the decedent's (the deceased person's) spouse, children or parents for money lost because of the decedent's death. Outside of the decedent's spouse, children, or parents, no other relatives can bring this action. In a wrongful death action, the amount of money that can be recovered amounts to the monetary loss suffered by the family members who are now deprived of that part of the decedent's earnings that they would have received if the decedent had lived. These beneficiaries may also recover money damages for hospital, nursing, medical, funeral and estate administration expenses that they had to pay because of the injuries that resulted in the decedent's death.

Survival action. In a survival action, the decedent's personal representative stands in the place of the decedent for purposes of a lawsuit. In other words, when a person is injured by someone else's negligence, the injured person can bring a lawsuit. If the injured person dies, death doesn't take away the cause of action or claim. The cause of action survives the death of the injured person and continues in the personal representative. The survival action simply continues the right to sue and recover money for such things as pain and suffering and lost earnings that the decedent had before he died.

If you suspect a fatal accident was caused by negligence, please contact the attorneys at Edgar Snyder & Associates today.

In over 35 years, the law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates has developed the experience, resources, and staff necessary to represent your family during this difficult time. Our staff understands the unique needs that arise when the death of a family member occurs.

Free Legal Evaluation

If you, or someone you care about, have been injured in a car accident, you can contact our law firm for a free evaluation by:

• Filling out a simple online form so we can evaluate your claim
• Calling toll free 1-866-227-6038. Our phones answer 24 hours a day/7 days a week

Our law firm will evaluate your claim free of charge and advise you on your legal rights to collect compensation. There is no obligation to use our services, and there is never a fee unless we get money for you.