Top Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorneys

Wrongful Death Liability

Defendants can only be found liable in a wrongful death case if it can be proven that their actions or neglect caused the death. This means attorneys for the plaintiff must establish that, were it not for the defendant’s conduct, the victim would not have died. As long as it can be proven that the defendant’s conduct caused the death, the time between their actions and the death itself is not a factor.. If you’re looking to file an accidental death claim in Pennsylvania, consult with a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney that will know understand the rules of liability for the state.

Assessing Damages

Damages in wrongful death cases serve to compensate the victim’s family members for their loss. Damages are awarded for many different reasons, and numerous factors must be assessed to determine proper compensation. That is why it’s important to approach each case individually, and consult with a wrongful death lawyer in Philadelphia who specializes in these claims. Some factors are relatively easy to assess, like the expenses incurred from medical and death costs.

Other factors may be less obvious, despite being equally important. These can include future earnings, benefits, and loss of companionship. Assessing the dollar amount of such damages for cases in Philadelphia can be difficult. Doing so requires anticipating the victim’s lifespan and future earnings, as well as the subjective impact of the death on surviving family members. Having a professional on your side can help, so contact a Philadelphia accidental death lawyer regarding your case.

Punitive damages may also be assessed in these cases. While other damages compensate for a specific loss, punitive damages serve as a punishment for the defendant. They may be awarded if a defendant’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent. These damages can also discourage others from taking similar actions in the future.