Losing a loved one is among the most traumatic events that a family can endure. When the loss is caused by the negligence of someone else, the family is often left with questions, confusion, and a strong desire for justice.
At Kline & Specter, PC, our wrongful death attorneys help families seek the justice they deserve and the compensation they need after losing a loved one. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you are:
- The surviving spouse of the deceased
- The parents of a child who was killed
- A child who lost a parent
- A sibling or extended relative (depending on the limitations imposed by state law)
In Pennsylvania, the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the beneficiaries of the estate, which for purposes of the wrongful death claim are limited to the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
In New Jersey, the representative of the estate also files the wrongful death claim and is responsible for distributing compensation from the case among those who were dependent upon the deceased. In New Jersey, this may include immediate family members, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or any other person who was “actually dependent” upon the deceased.
In Delaware, a wrongful death action may be filed for the benefit of a spouse, child, parent or sibling of the victim. If no one fits that description, a case may still be filed to benefit any relative of the deceased.
The attorneys of Kline & Specter can help you understand your state’s laws and your rights to bring a wrongful death case against the parties responsible for the death of your loved one. Our firm has achieved more victories in excess of $10 million for our clients than any law firm in Pennsylvania. We won the largest contested personal injury jury verdict in Pennsylvania history—$109 million for the family of a woman who was killed by a fallen electric line.
If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, call 800-243-1100 today for your free case consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Kline & Specter. We represent clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and across the nation.
