Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Lancaster, PA Families
Losing a family member due to someone else's negligence or reckless behavior is a devastating tragedy. No amount of money can bring back a loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial security for surviving family members, hold the responsible party accountable, and potentially prevent future tragedies. The wrongful death lawyers at GLS Injury Law combine deep legal experience with genuine compassion to guide grieving families through this difficult process.
Our attorneys have successfully handled some of the most complex and high-stakes wrongful death cases in Lancaster County and throughout Pennsylvania. We understand that you're going through an unimaginably difficult time, and we take on the full burden of your legal case — from investigation to trial — so you can focus on your family and healing.
Pennsylvania's wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Acting promptly is essential to preserve evidence and protect your family's legal rights. Contact GLS Injury Law immediately for a compassionate, confidential consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death action allows the personal representative of a deceased person's estate to bring a lawsuit against those whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional act caused the death. The lawsuit seeks compensation for both the damages suffered by the estate (survival action) and the losses suffered by the surviving family members (wrongful death action).
A wrongful death claim may arise from:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents — Including drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding
- Workplace fatalities — Construction accidents, industrial accidents, and other on-the-job deaths
- Medical malpractice — Errors by doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers
- Defective products — Products that malfunction and cause fatal injuries
- Premises liability — Fatal falls, drowning accidents, building fires, and other unsafe property conditions
- Criminal acts — When intentional violence or assault results in death
- Nursing home negligence and abuse — Inadequate care leading to a resident's death
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate. The following family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (including adult children)
- Parents
- Other dependents or those entitled to the decedent's personal estate under Pennsylvania intestate laws
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Pennsylvania's wrongful death statute allows for recovery of damages including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred between the fatal injury and the death
- Loss of financial support — Income the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
- Loss of household services — The value of services the deceased provided to the family
- Loss of companionship and consortium — The impact of the loss on surviving family members
- Loss of guidance, counsel, and parental care for surviving minor children
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death (survival action)
- Punitive damages in cases involving egregious negligence or intentional conduct
How GLS Injury Law Handles Wrongful Death Cases
Our wrongful death attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation from the very start. We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your loved one's death — working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, forensic specialists, and other experts to build an overwhelming case of liability. We then pursue every available source of compensation and negotiate aggressively on your family's behalf.
When insurance companies or corporate defendants attempt to minimize what they owe grieving families, GLS Injury Law fights back hard. We have the resources and determination to take wrongful death cases to trial when a fair settlement isn't offered.
Our Wrongful Death Case Results
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Let GLS Injury Law help your family seek justice. Visit our full Wrongful Death Lawyers page or call 717-394-3004 at any time, day or night.