The Falvello Law Firm

Friday, May 23, 2008

What is Wrongful Death

What is wrongful death?

A wrongful death lawsuit allows people who depended upon the deceased for financial or emotional support to recover losses sustained as a result of their relative's wrongful death.

Who can sue for wrongful death?

In Pennsylvania, the Wrongful Death Act determines who will be deemed a beneficiary in a wrongful death case. Beneficiaries generally include the deceased's parents, children, or spouse.

What damages are recoverable?

Damages that may be recoverable include:

An estimate of the amount of earnings the person who died would have earned if they had lived
Pain and suffering experienced by the survivors due to the absence of the deceased person

What's the difference between murder and wrongful death?
Murder is a criminal action that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Wrongful death is a civil action where the standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence.

Can a wrongful death action be brought based on the death of a child or an elderly person?

Yes, however, the damage awards may be less. If you have any questions regarding wrongful death lawsuits in Pennsylvania, please contact us for more information. The Falvello Law Firm has been serving clients in the Sugarloaf Valley of PA since 1978.

posted by Patti at 10:08 AM