Recovering
$ MILLIONS
For Injured Pennsylvanians
Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one unexpectedly changes everything. In the middle of grief, families are often left dealing with medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of income. When that death was caused by someone else’s negligence, the pressure can build quickly, and the situation can feel overwhelming.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we help families across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania understand what happened, who may be responsible, and what steps to take next. You do not have to deal with the insurance company, legal deadlines, or complicated claims process on your own. We step in early to protect your rights and help you move forward with clarity.
Talk to an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one’s death may have been caused by negligence, call Larry Pitt & Associates at 1-888-PITT-LAW for a free consultation.
We will review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand what comes next.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
What Does “Wrongful Death” Mean in Pennsylvania?
A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional harm.
In practical terms, this means:
- A fatal accident occurred that could have been prevented
- Another person or company failed to act with reasonable care
- That failure directly caused the death
A Philadelphia wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to recover damages for both the financial burden and emotional pain that follow.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we focus on answering those questions first. Once the facts are clear, we can determine whether you have a valid wrongful death case and what steps to take next.
What a Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorney Does
If you are searching for an experienced wrongful death attorney, you are likely trying to determine whether someone can be held accountable and how to proceed.
We take over the legal aspects of the case so your family does not have to handle them alone.
We:
- Investigate how the fatal incident occurred
- Identify all responsible parties and at-fault parties
- Preserve critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed
- Handle communication with the insurance company
- File and manage the lawsuit
These cases are rarely simple. Wrongful death claims involve multiple parties, conflicting accounts of what happened, and pressure from insurers to resolve the claim quickly. Our role is to protect your position from the start.
Do You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Philadelphia?
Many families are unsure whether they need a lawyer. That hesitation is understandable, especially when everything is happening at once.
You should consider speaking with a wrongful death lawyer in Philadelphia if:
- The cause of death is unclear or disputed
- The insurance company has already contacted you
- You are being asked to sign documents or accept a settlement
- The death involved a workplace accident, a car accident, or unsafe conditions
- There may be multiple responsible parties
Even if you are unsure whether you can file a wrongful death claim, getting answers early can prevent mistakes that affect your ability to recover compensation later.
How Pennsylvania Law Defines Wrongful Death
Under the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 8301), a claim arises when a death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or unlawful violence of another party.
Who Can File a Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of:
- A surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
If no one files within six months, the personal representative may file on behalf of all beneficiaries.
This is often one of the first issues families need help with. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we ensure the claim is filed properly and within the required timeframe to protect your rights from the beginning.
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action in Pennsylvania
Most cases involve two separate claims, and understanding the difference is important.
Wrongful Death Claim
Covers losses suffered by surviving family members:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Survival Action (42 Pa.C.S. § 8302)
Covers losses experienced by the deceased person:
- Pain and suffering before death
- Lost income over a lifetime
These claims are handled differently, but often go together. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we evaluate both sides from the beginning to ensure your family does not miss an opportunity to recover full financial compensation.
Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Philadelphia, PA
Our experienced attorneys handle wrongful death cases involving a wide range of fatal incidents throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents and construction site fatalities
- Medical malpractice and hospital negligence
- Defective products
- Premises liability incidents, such as slip and falls
Many of these incidents involve preventable hazards or unsafe conditions. Identifying exactly what went wrong is a critical part of building a case.
How Larry Pitt & Associates Proves a Wrongful Death Case
To successfully file a wrongful death claim, certain legal requirements must be met. This is often referred to as the “legal burden,” meaning the party bringing the claim is responsible for proving what happened.
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim must show:
- A duty of care existed
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused the fatal injury
- The death resulted in measurable damages
While that sounds straightforward, proving these elements requires detailed investigation and strong evidence.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we focus on gathering:
- Police and accident reports
- Medical records and treatment history
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Workplace incident reports
- Surveillance footage and photographs
- Witness statements
- Expert analysis
Evidence does not remain available forever:
- Surveillance footage may be deleted
- Witnesses may become harder to locate
- Physical evidence may change
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, acting quickly can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. Delays can complicate the legal process.
Identifying Responsible Parties
A wrongful death lawsuit must clearly identify all parties involved. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility.
This can include:
- Drivers in motor vehicle accidents
- Employers or third parties in work accidents
- Property owners in premises liability cases
- Manufacturers in defective product cases
Proving a wrongful death case requires more than just knowing something went wrong. It requires evidence, documentation, and a clear connection between the actions of the at-fault party and the fatal injury.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we handle that process from the beginning, so your family is not left trying to prove something during an already difficult time.
We will:
- Review medical records and consult with medical professionals
- Analyze accident reports and witness statements
- Secure surveillance footage when available
- Work with experts to explain how the fatal injury occurred
The legal burden is on the party bringing the claim. That means proving that another party’s actions caused the death and resulted in real losses. The sooner we begin, the stronger your case can be.
What Can Be Recovered in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Claim?
A Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates can evaluate the full impact of the loss, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and financial support
- Loss of benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of guidance
Every case is different. The amount you may recover depends on the facts, the available evidence, and the long-term impact on your family. We look at the full picture, not just immediate expenses.
How Insurance Companies Handle Wrongful Death Claims
Insurance companies are involved in nearly every wrongful death claim, and their goal is to limit payouts.
We often see:
- Early settlement offers before the full value is known
- Requests for recorded statements
- Disputes over liability
- Attempts to minimize financial and emotional losses
We handle these interactions for you.
What You Should Do
- Avoid signing documents without legal guidance
- Be cautious about giving statements
- Do not assume the first offer is fair
These early decisions can have a lasting impact on your claim.
Understanding the Legal Process in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The process for a wrongful death lawsuit follows a structured path.
Filing the Complaint: This document outlines what happened, identifies negligent parties, and specifies the damages being claimed.
Investigation and Discovery: Both sides gather evidence and build their case.
Settlement Negotiations: Most cases involve negotiations with the insurance company.
Trial (If Necessary): If no agreement is reached, the case may proceed to court.
The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially during a difficult time. Our role at Larry Pitt & Associates is to manage each step and keep you informed, so you always understand what is happening.
Workplace Fatalities and Your Legal Options
Workplace deaths are some of the most complex wrongful death cases we handle because they often involve more than one legal path and more than one responsible party.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we represent families after work accidents across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including cases involving construction sites, transportation incidents, and industrial settings.
We handle:
- Workers’ compensation death benefits
- Third-party wrongful death claims
- Construction and industrial accident cases
How Workplace Fatalities Happen
According to federal safety data, thousands of workers lose their lives each year in preventable workplace accidents. Industries like construction, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing carry some of the highest risks.
Common causes of workplace fatalities include:
- Falls from heights on construction sites
- Equipment failures or malfunctioning machinery
- Workers being struck by objects or vehicles
- Unsafe working conditions or a lack of proper safety measures
- Exposure to hazardous materials
In many cases, a fatal accident is not just a tragic event; it is the result of a breakdown in safety practices, oversight, or accountability.
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
In Pennsylvania, workplace deaths are typically covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. This means surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits, including:
- Ongoing wage-loss benefits for dependents
- Coverage for funeral and burial expenses
However, these benefits are often limited and may not fully reflect the loss’s long-term financial impact.
Third-Party Claims
While you generally cannot sue an employer directly in Pennsylvania, that does not mean your legal options are limited.
If a third party contributed to the fatal accident, you may be able to file a separate wrongful death claim to recover additional compensation.
These third parties may include:
- Contractors or subcontractors on a job site
- Equipment manufacturers responsible for defective machinery
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions
- Drivers involved in work-related vehicle accidents
Many families assume a workers’ compensation claim is their only option. In reality, a workplace wrongful death claim may involve multiple sources of financial recovery.
Our Philadelphia workplace wrongful death accident attorney will investigate every angle of the case to identify all responsible parties and pursue the full compensation your family may be entitled to, not just what is immediately offered.
Why Early Action Matters in Workplace Death Cases
Workplace fatality cases often involve rapidly changing conditions. Evidence can be lost or altered if action is delayed.
Important evidence may include:
- OSHA reports and safety investigations
- Employer incident reports
- Equipment inspection records
- Witness statements from co-workers
- Site conditions at the time of the accident
The sooner an investigation begins, the better the chance of preserving this evidence and building a strong case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
Waiting too long can:
- Limit available evidence
- Weaken your claim
- Prevent recovery entirely
What Our Clients Say
Why Families Work With Larry Pitt & Associates
For more than 40 years, Larry Pitt & Associates has represented families across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Families choose us because:
- We provide clear, direct guidance
- We act quickly when needed
- We handle the insurance company
- We focus on protecting your family’s future
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a wrongful death claim in Philadelphia?
A wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the estate. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we guide families through the process, gather evidence, and manage the legal steps necessary to advance the case.
How much is a wrongful death case worth?
The value depends on lost income, expenses, and the long-term impact on the family. Each case is different, and we evaluate all factors to determine what wrongful death compensation may be available.
Can multiple parties be responsible in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Yes. Many wrongful death cases involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying all parties is critical to recovering full compensation.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?
Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting offers before understanding your rights. We handle communication with the insurance company so you do not have to.
