Recovering
$ MILLIONS
For Injured Pennsylvanians
Reading Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence in Reading, PA, no legal action can undo that loss. But Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to seek justice and financial compensation after an untimely death.
I’m Larry Pitt. For more than 40 years, my law firm has represented families throughout Reading and Berks County after fatal accidents caused by another party’s negligence. As a wrongful death lawyer Reading families trust, I understand that this is not just a legal matter — it is personal.
We offer free and confidential consultations so you can understand your legal rights and options without pressure.
Contact a Reading Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one’s death was caused by another’s negligence in Reading, PA, or anywhere in Berks County, you have legal rights.
Contact our office for a free consultation.
Call 888-PITT-LAW today.
Larry Pitt Won’t Quit.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim Under Pennsylvania Law?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct.
Under Pennsylvania law, wrongful death allows surviving family members to pursue monetary compensation for the emotional and financial losses caused by the death.
To hold a responsible party liable, the four elements of negligence must be proven:
Duty of care
Breach of that duty
Causation
Damages
Wrongful death cases often stem from:
- Car accident collisions
- Motorcycle accident crashes
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
Our wrongful death law firm investigates whether a party acted negligently and whether legal action is appropriate.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law generally requires that the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate file the wrongful death lawsuit.
If the personal representative does not file a wrongful death claim within six months of the loved one’s death, certain beneficiaries may file the lawsuit directly.
Typically, immediate family members — such as a spouse, children, or parents — are the beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania.
There are actually two distinct legal actions available:
- Wrongful Death Claim – compensates family members for their losses
- Survival Action – seeks damages for the pain, suffering, and financial losses the deceased experienced before passing
Both claims may be pursued together.
The Two-Year Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Pennsylvania sets a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The deadline is generally two years from the date of the loved one’s death.
If a government agency is involved in the fatal accident, you may also need to file a formal notice of claim within six months.
Evidence in wrongful death cases can be time-sensitive. Accident reports, medical records, and witness testimony should be preserved as soon as possible.
It is usually best to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as you feel able.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Families may pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Medical bills
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earnings
- Financial losses
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional and financial losses suffered by family members
Pennsylvania law generally does not cap damages in wrongful death cases, allowing families to pursue maximum compensation based on their family’s situation.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial damages to surviving family members.
Insurance Companies After a Fatal Accident
After a fatal accident, insurance companies often contact the victim’s family quickly.
Their goal is to limit insurance coverage payouts. They may:
- Offer a low settlement
- Attempt to shift blame
- Argue comparative fault
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the victim’s percentage of fault exceeds 50%, recovery may be barred. Otherwise, compensation may be reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.
A wrongful death attorney protects families from manipulation during this vulnerable time.
Is Wrongful Death Hard to Prove?
Wrongful death cases require clear evidence that another party’s negligence caused the death.
Proving liability may involve:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Medical experts
- Financial experts
- Reviewing police and investigative reports
- Examining insurance policies
Experience handling wrongful death cases can significantly impact the outcome.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Charge?
Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- No upfront costs
- No attorney fees unless compensation is recovered
- Payment is a percentage of the recovery
We offer free consultations and do not charge legal fees unless we win.
Choosing a Reading Wrongful Death Lawyer
When selecting a Reading wrongful death attorney, consider:
- Experience in wrongful death and personal injury cases
- A strong track record of settlements and verdicts
- Familiarity with Berks County courts
- Clear communication
- Compassion for grieving families
You can research attorneys through platforms like Super Lawyers, Justia, or the Berks County Bar Association.
Choosing a lawyer who understands local court procedures in the Reading area can improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
What Our Clients Say
How Larry Pitt & Associates Supports Families in Berks County
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we focus on helping families seek justice after a tragic event.
We:
- Conduct thorough investigations
- Identify liable parties
- Handle insurance companies
- Preserve critical evidence
- File wrongful death lawsuits when appropriate
- Guide families through the legal process
We understand that no lawsuit can replace a loved one. Our goal is to support families as they pursue justice and financial security.
