Losing a loved one because of another person’s wrongful actions is one of the most painful experiences that money cannot help you overcome. However, it is your right to receive compensation for some of the financial losses that you may suffer because of this tragic event. 

Understanding who qualifies for wrongful death claims can lead to compensation from the group or individual who has caused your grievances. The wrongful death lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams PC, Injury Attorneys, are determined to help you throughout this process and seek the damages you are legally entitled to.

Situations That Can Lead to Wrongful Death

Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths include:

• Medical mistakes
• Fetal or infant death 
• Vehicular homicide
• Workplace accidents
• Product defects
• Prescription errors
• Plane crashes
• Overservice of alcohol

Any situation involving the listed issues that results in death may qualify for a wrongful death claim.

Who Qualifies for a Wrongful Death Claim?

Financial compensation due to a death caused by negligence or intentional conduct comes from the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act. 

The act states that death caused by negligence or intentional conduct should be followed by financial compensation and specifies who qualifies for wrongful death claims. 

It also allows for immediate family members to collect compensation when a loved one passes because of negligent or intentional behavior. These damages include:

• Lost wages up to the anticipated retirement date
• Medical expenses
• Loss of services
• Punitive damages—when the behavior of the defendant is so harmful that the court deems punishment appropriate

In the absence of suitable family members, a representative of the deceased’s estate may seek funeral, medical, and administrative expenses. 

The Beneficiaries in a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim allows spouses and children to seek benefits after the death of a loved one. If there are no children or spouses, the parents of the deceased are next to claim the benefits. 

Children over the age of 18 must establish a pecuniary loss—loss of money or value that can be measured in monetary terms—caused by the death of their parent. The pecuniary loss would include the direct expenses that the parent provided for the children.

Contact Us to Find Out if You Are Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim

Understanding who qualifies for wrongful death claims helps to compensate the family members and loved ones for the loss of someone important in their lives. Although these claims will help to cover some of the extensive costs that come from the abrupt death of a loved one, we know nothing can heal the emotional toll that comes with losing a close relative. 

Contact Lowenthal & Abrams PC, Injury Attorneys, today. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers will listen and support you through your loss. Let us take over the legal issues while you take time to heal and grieve.