Wrongful Death Attorney in Pennsylvania

We Help Families Dealing With Different Kinds of Wrongful Death Cases

You want a lawyer with as much relevant experience as possible. Our law firm partners are prepared to assist clients who have lost a loved one to a:

• Car accident: A collision between two cars, a single car and a fixed object, or a car and someone else (e.g., a pedestrian or a bicyclist) can be devastating.
• Motorcycle accident: Motorcyclists have long been overrepresented among traffic fatalities due to the lack of protection offered by such a small, uncovered vehicle.
• Truck accident: A large truck, especially when it is loaded with cargo, can all too easily cause a fatal collision.

Each of these case types presents specific challenges—and opportunities—for people seeking compensation. For example, truck accident cases frequently require you to deal with large trucking companies that may be reluctant to pay fairly. At the same time, these companies often carry more insurance than individual drivers, meaning you could potentially recover more money.

What to Look for in a Wrongful Death Attorney

There is a combination of factors you will want to look for as you select a lawyer:

• Experience: As previously discussed, every case type is different, so it is best to find an attorney who knows how to support your specific needs.
• Compassion: You have just been through a devastating loss, and you want to know that your lawyer cares about both you and the outcome of your case.
• Transparency: Will they stay in touch throughout your case, keep you updated on what is happening, and answer your legal questions promptly?
• Professionalism: Our law firm partners handle every case with the competence and attention to detail that such complex legal matters require.

At The Goldwater Law Firm, our co-counsel includes some of the most successful firms in the country. Each of the wrongful death lawyers we work with embodies the traits outlined above and is committed to pursuing a just outcome in every single case.

How to Get Compensation From the Liable Party After a Fatal Accident

There are typically two ways you can get the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay damages. The more common approach is to file an insurance claim and negotiate a settlement. This involves:

• Sending a demand letter to the insurance company
• Following up with the insurer if they do not respond in a timely manner
• Arranging a time and place to meet and negotiate a pretrial settlement
• Drawing up a settlement agreement
• Answering any questions you have about the agreement before you sign

While your attorney will do the negotiating, they will not decide when or if to accept any given offer. You get to decide, with advice and guidance from your legal team, if you want to take the money, keep negotiating, or file a lawsuit.

Filing suit is the second way of recovering damages. Your attorney might file right away, or they might try negotiating first, depending on how your case goes. If and when your representative files a lawsuit, they can:

• Continue to communicate with the insurance company, just in case they change their mind and want to offer a settlement before the trial starts
• Prepare for trial by scheduling court dates, submitting trial exhibits, and selecting jury members
• Present the strongest possible arguments to persuade the jury to award you damages
• Present evidence that weakens or disproves the defense’s arguments

Once the trial is over, the jury will decide whether or not to award you compensation and how much money you should get.

We understand how stressful this all sounds, especially when you are still processing your loved one’s passing. This is why hiring an attorney to manage your entire case on your behalf is a good idea: it gives you space to grieve while still exercising your legal rights.

What Compensation Is Available After a Wrongful Death?

The damages you pursue should reflect all of your accident-related losses. For example:

• If you were financially dependent on the deceased’s income, your lawyer should seek reimbursement for your sudden loss of financial support.
• You have suffered a loss of companionship that has deprived you of your loved one’s presence, affection, and emotional support.
• If the deceased left behind minor children, they may be entitled to receive damages for the loss of parental guidance.
• Did you pay for your loved one’s funeral, burial, or similar expenses? Then you may qualify for compensation for funeral bills.

We know how hard it can be for families to talk about the recent death of a loved one. We encourage you to be as forthcoming as possible with your lawyer. They need this information to help you compile a complete list of damages and ensure your family asks for all of the money you will need, both for current expenses and future losses.

When to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Everyone reacts differently after a fatal accident. For some, a legal action is the last thing on their minds. For others, gaining closure by holding the at-fault party accountable is a priority.

Either way, it is important for you to know that you have a limited time to start your case, so you want to start exploring your options while there is still time. Even if you are not yet sure whether or not you are going to take legal action, it is a good idea to:

• Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team
• Carefully weigh your options by seeking input from legal professionals and your family
• Ask questions about what the legal process is like and how a lawyer can guide you through your entire case

The Goldwater Law Firm wants to help you figure out the way forward after a fatal accident. Trust our team to provide honest advice and accurate information, and to put you in touch with the right Pennsylvania lawyer to guide you through the legal process.