Losing a family member prematurely is a tragedy, not just in terms of its emotional impact but often also in the financial and even physical effects it can have on surviving loved ones. When you suffer a loss like this because of another person’s reckless, careless, or illegal actions, that person should be held financially accountable for the negative effects of his or her misconduct.
Unfortunately, as an experienced personal injury attorney could affirm knowing someone else is at-fault for a loved one’s death and holding him or her accountable through civil litigation are very different things. If you want the best chances of securing a favorable result from your lawsuit or settlement demand, you should retain a compassionate Somerset wrongful death lawyer.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to allow surviving family members of someone who lost his or her life due to another person’s negligence to recover for the harm they suffered due to their loved one’s premature death. Recovery for losses experienced by the decedent between the moment of their injury and death is also possible through a related but separate claim called a survival action.
Through wrongful death litigation, it is possible to seek monetary damages for both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
In cases where a wrongful death results from extremely negligently or overtly malicious behavior, the court may impose additional punitive damages against the defendant and award them as compensation to eligible beneficiaries. A seasoned Somerset wrongful death attorney could review the circumstances of a specific case to determine whether punitive damages may be sought.
Notably, while various parties may receive financial payments through a successful claim, the exclusive right to file such a claim in the first six months after a wrongful death belongs to the decedent’s estate representative or “executor.” Once that six-month period passes, any eligible beneficiary may file and pursue litigation in their loved one’s name.
Importantly, the “statute of limitations” in Pennsylvania sets a two-year filing deadline for cases of this nature, typically beginning on the date of the incident. Therefore, speaking with a capable lawyer sooner rather than later after a wrongful death in Somerset could be essential to preserving the rights of surviving family members.
Pursuing financial compensation for the effects of a loved one’s untimely death can be an immensely stressful and complicated process. Fortunately, there is help available from knowledgeable and experienced legal professionals who know how incomparably devastating this kind of situation is and could work diligently on your behalf to get you paid what you deserve.
A Somerset wrongful death lawyer at Marcus & Mack could discuss your legal options in more detail during a free, private consultation. Schedule yours by calling today.
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