Google 5-star rating
Brain injury top 25 trial lawyers award
BBB A+ rating
Available 24/7
Free Consultation
Call Or Text
Google and BBB rating A+ badges
Home > Pennsylvania Personal Injury > Wrongful Death Lawyer

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyer

When you suffer the devastating loss of a loved one because of someone’s negligence, a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer can help you seek compensation. Cordisco & Saile LLC stands apart from other firms with an approach centered on personal and genuine connections. By choosing our law firm, you gain a compassionate team dedicated to treating you like family. Let us guide you through the legal process to get the justice you deserve. 

This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.

The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable. When that loss occurs from someone else’s negligence, it compounds the anguish. As you grieve your loss, seeking justice can feel secondary. However, filing a lawsuit is important because it can result in compensation for the decedent’s death and help contribute to the financial security of those left behind.

If a loved one’s wrongful death has impacted you, Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you navigate the legal process. With help from a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer and our legal team, we can help you with these challenging cases. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing, compensation, and justice. 

Why Hire Cordisco & Saile For Your Wrongful Death Case

With other wrongful death lawyers in Pennsylvania vying for your case, Cordisco & Saile LLC stands out in the Philadelphia region. We are not only skilled litigators but also your trusted partners as you navigate your claims. Here’s why you need to choose us if you are suing for wrongful death:

Personalized Services

At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we understand that every wrongful death case is unique. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our experienced team of legal professionals provides personalized services tailored to your case specifics. We take time to listen, empathize, and strategize, ensuring that you receive the individualized attention your case deserves, as evidenced by a recent testimonial:

I highly recommend Cordisco & Saile LLC without any hesitation. Mike and his team go above and beyond working with us. They were always able to be there whenever we had questions or concerns that needed to be addressed. They care for their clients and call to check in from time to time to see how you are doing.
– Robyn I.

Local Firm, Family Approach

Our commitment to treating clients like family sets Cordisco & Saile LLC apart from other firms. As a local law firm proudly rooted in our community, we understand the value of genuine connections. In choosing us, you’re not just hiring lawyers. You’re gaining a supportive and compassionate team dedicated to fighting for your rights, as described in one recent review:

Every individual that I was in contact with from Cordisco & Saile was helpful, empathetic, and patient. For me personally, using this firm was the best choice I made.
– Mary B.

We are proud of our case results. Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are ready to stand with you in your pursuit of justice.

In the aftermath of a wrongful death, emotions run high. Ensuing legal cases can be overwhelming. Hiring a lawyer is not just a choice but a necessity. Securing compensation is not just about financial recovery. It is about holding the responsible party accountable. 

We understand the financial strain these situations can impose on a family. Our goal is to alleviate that burden so you can focus on healing. At Cordisco & Saile, we guide you through the entire legal process, providing clarity and support. Our top-rated Philadelphia personal injury lawyers  will investigate the wrongful death’s circumstances, gather evidence, and build a solid case on your behalf.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Whether the death occurs in Pennsylvania or another state, wrongful death cases involve fatalities caused by other parties’ negligence or recklessness. The legal system allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their emotional and financial hardships from the loss.

While Pennsylvania’s wrongful death definition aligns with broader legal standards, some specific details, including recoverable damages, differ across state lines.

Pennsylvania's Wrongful Death Legislation

Under Pennsylvania law, a legal action filed on behalf of a decedent’s estate involves two distinct components.

The wrongful death claim enables the recovery of both economic and non-economic losses stemming from the loved one’s death, including funeral and burial expenses and loss of consortium.

On the other hand, the survival segment of the claim pertains to compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering leading up to their demise. Whether a loved one survived for mere seconds or days, weeks, or months before succumbing to injuries, the law entitles the victim’s family to seek compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering.

Filing a Claim on Behalf of the Victim

According to 42 PA Con. Stat. §8301, specific individuals related to the deceased may seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Pennsylvania law, the following individuals may be beneficiaries of a wrongful death action:

  • Spouses
  • Children
  • Parents

If none of these individuals are alive, the estate representative can pursue a claim for specific damages on the estate’s behalf. However, this individual must file a claim within six months of the death. Otherwise, any beneficiaries can independently file the claim on their own behalf.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

Like other personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims are subject to a filing deadline. As per 42 PA Con. Stat. §5524, you have a maximum of two years after the accident to initiate the filing process. Exceptions to this rule are rare. Failing to meet this deadline may cause the court to dismiss your case.

Our legal professionals at Cordisco & Saile LLC are adept at navigating the state’s wrongful death legal statutes. Contact us for questions or assistance.

Pennsylvania attorneys John F. Cordisco and Michael L. Saile, Jr. pictured before a transparent background
Have you suffered an injury?

We’re ready to fight for you. Take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death Compensation

In Pennsylvania, wrongful death distribution follows intestacy laws.  Beneficiaries are entitled to recover various economic damages, including:

  • Loss of future earnings
  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical costs
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of inheritance

The distribution of a wrongful death damage award in Pennsylvania is determined based on these factors:

  • Without children or parents, the entire settlement goes to the surviving spouse.
  • If a surviving spouse and parent exist but have no children, the spouse receives the first $30,000 of the recovery plus half of the remaining settlement, with the rest equally divided between the deceased’s parents.
  • In cases with a surviving spouse and children, the spouse gets $30,000 and half the settlement. If the surviving spouse has children, the remainder is divided equally among them.
  • If there are surviving children without a spouse, the entire settlement is divided equally among the children.
  • When there are surviving parents but no spouse or children, the parents share the settlement equally.
  • If there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents, the courts distribute the settlement among the deceased’s siblings and their children.

Proving a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

To substantiate a wrongful death lawsuit, you need concrete evidence and a strategic approach. These key steps may help to establish a strong case:

  • Investigate and gather evidence: The legal team must collect pertinent documents, eyewitness accounts, and any available evidence related to the incident causing the wrongful death. This evidence can include accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
  • Establish negligence: Aside from gathering evidence, your attorney must clearly demonstrate the responsible party’s negligence or wrongful actions. Often, this showing establishes a breach of duty, causation, and the resulting damages.
  • Consult expert witnesses: Medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists can provide authoritative opinions supporting your case.
  • Document damages:  All economic and non-economic damages must include evidence showing the financial losses, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional impact on the family.

When you file a wrongful death claim, Cordisco & Saile LLC’s legal team will thoroughly execute each step for you.

Reach Out to a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney Today

When mourning a loved one’s loss, managing these legal details can be overwhelming. At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we will support you throughout the legal process in Bucks County and surrounding areas. Contact us today at 215-642-2335 or use our form to arrange a complimentary consultation with our Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers. 

You can also use the contact form to schedule an appointment at one of the following conveniently located law offices:

Contact Us Today

Please fill out the quick contact form below for a fast and free case consultation. We will
contact you within 24 hours!

Contact Us For
Free Case Evaluation
down arrow
Our
Results
down arrow
Local First Responder After Truck Collision
$10,000,000

Man Seriously Injured by Armored Car

$2,470,000

Bucks County Car Accident Victim
$1,377,000

Testimonials

down arrow
michael l saile and john f cordisco
Have you suffered an injury?

Call Cordisco & Saile at

215-642-2335 for a FREE consultation.