The First Legal Steps to Take after a Fatal Accident

If you’ve lost a loved one to a fatal accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, there is no legal remedy that can help fill the void left by this immense loss. Bringing a successful wrongful death claim, however, can afford you just compensation, which can help pave the way toward healing. The sooner you consult with an experienced Harrisburg wrongful death attorney at Mette Law, the better protected your rights will be.

Retain Legal Counsel

In the wake of a family member’s death because of someone else’s negligence, it can be difficult to navigate your day, much less a wrongful death claim. This makes retaining legal counsel one of the most important steps you can take after losing a loved one in a fatal accident.

While you focus on managing your grief, you can count on your compassionate lawyer to build a strong wrongful death claim on your behalf. Claims like yours are legally challenging, which makes it in your best interest to consult with a wrongful death lawyer sooner rather than later.

The Basics of Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania

One way of putting wrongful death claims in perspective is thinking about them in terms of personal injury. If your loved one could have filed a personal injury claim if they had survived the accident in question, you likely have a viable personal injury claim. For example, if the fatal accident was caused by a drunk driver and your loved one survived the accident but was injured, the required elements of a personal injury claim are present.

A Personal Representative Files on Behalf of the Survivors

Wrongful death claims are filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate as named in their will. If your loved one didn’t leave a will or didn’t name a personal representative, the court will assign an administrator who will take over the role. The representative files the claim on behalf of the decedent’s survivors.

The Survivors Are the Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of wrongful death claims are the survivors, as determined by Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. Pennsylvania’s definition of survivors is more limited than many other states, and includes only the following:

• The decedent’s surviving spouse
• Decedent’s surviving children
• The decedent’s surviving parents, if there was no spouse or children

The Losses Covered

The basic losses covered by wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania include the following:

• Decedent’s final medical costs
• Cost of the decedent’s funeral and burial
• Survivors lost financial support
• Emotional pain and suffering the survivors endure

You Need an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side

Our persistent Harrisburg wrongful death attorneys at Mette Law unleash the full force of our extensive experience and legal insight on behalf of each valued client, and we appreciate the opportunity to do the same for you. To learn more, contact us online or call our firm at 717-232-5000 today.