I was hurt in a bad accident and called Metzger Wickersham. Thankfully I did! They have been great, on top of things, and always doing their job well. Extremely pleased with my experience!
Kristen H.
Lancaster Wrongful Death Attorney
Providing Compassionate Legal Counsel to Grieving Families
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially if the loss is unexpected and resulted because of someone else’s reckless actions. If negligence resulted in the loss of your loved one, you may be able to recover damages by filing a wrongful death suit. At Metzger Wickersham, our Lancaster wrongful death attorneys are here to help you. We understand that you are going through a difficult time emotionally and financially, which is why we offer compassionate, personalized legal assistance to grieving families. Known for our aggressive negotiation and litigation skills, you can trust our attorneys to work tirelessly to fight for your right to compensation. Contact our firm online or at (888) 707-7704 to learn how we can help you. Your initial consultation is free.What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under 42 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. § 8301, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the wrongful actions, neglect, or unlawful negligence or violence of another person. Wrongful death suits can arise from:- Car or truck accident
- Medical malpractice incidents
- Intentional acts (crimes)
- Construction accidents
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit?
In Pennsylvania, a personal representative of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of those seeking compensation. This representative is typically the executor of the decedent’s estate (who is named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the state). However, if the executor fails to file a claim within 6 months of the date of death, any beneficiaries may file the a wrongful death claim. The beneficiaries of a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania are:- Spouse
- Children
- Parents of the deceased
How Is Wrongful Death Legally Defined in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. § 8301, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the wrongful actions, neglect, or unlawful negligence or violence of another person. Wrongful death suits can arise from:- Car or truck accident
- Medical malpractice incidents
- Intentional acts (crimes)
- Construction accidents
- Funeral and burial costs
- Hospital and medical bills (obtained before death)
- Loss of income and/or benefits
- Estate administration expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s comfort, guidance, or household services
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit?
In Pennsylvania, a personal representative must file a wrongful death claim on behalf of those seeking compensation. This representative is typically the executor of the decedent’s estate (who is named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the state). However, if the executor fails to file a claim within 6 months of the date of death, any beneficiaries may file the claim on behalf of all of the decedent’s beneficiaries. It is also important to note that wrongful death suits must be filed within two years of the deceased’s death.Contact Our Lancaster Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand how difficult it is to navigate the grieving process. While you take care of yourself (and your family), our legal team can handle the case legalities and help you:- File your claim
- Collect evidence (testimonies, medical records, photos/videos, etc.)
- Calculate your damages
- Understand your legal options
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My wife had been fighting SSI for over three years. Since working with Metzger Wickersham her stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone. They were always in communication with us, guiding us through the process. We’re so glad we chose this firm. Thank you for all you’ve done!
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Everyone here was very helpful and worked very hard. I have nothing but good things to say about Metzger Wickersham. The team kept me well informed and updated at all times!
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