Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney

If your loved one has died as the result of someone else’s actions or omissions, you may have a valid wrongful death claim. A wrongful death case cannot be successful without the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney. Read on to learn the top five reasons you should hire a wrongful death lawyer.

5. Your Wrongful Death Lawyer Will Help You Set Up an Estate 

It is essential to know who represents the estate prior to filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

If your loved one died without a will, usually a spouse or other family member may file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. If there are no surviving family members, the court may appoint a personal representative called an “administrator” or “administratrix”.

If your loved one died with a will, the person appointed in the will as the “executor” or “executrix” may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Your wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia will help you figure out who should represent the estate.

4. Your Rights to File the Lawsuit Will be Protected

Under the Pennsylvania wrongful death statute, you have two years after the official death date to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This restriction is typically referred to as the wrongful death statute or the statute of limitations.  

Two years may seem like a long time, but your wrongful death attorneys will need ample time to investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. They will need to order records such as medical records or employment records. They will need to talk with various individuals who were involved in or had substantial knowledge about the circumstances leading up to your loved one’s death. They will need to fully understand whether someone or multiple people are at fault for your loved one’s death. Thus, in order to comply with the wrongful death statute of limitations, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your loved one dies.

Wrongful death lawyers in Philadelphia understand the immense grief associated with wrongful death lawsuits, and will do everything in their power to work with you and ease your burdens during the stressful time after your loved one’s death.

3. They Will Help You Retain Critical Evidence

A wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia knows what actions must be taken early in the process such as, ordering an autopsy on the decedent. And when ordering the autopsy, an experienced wrongful death attorney knows whether to order toxicology along with the autopsy. Toxicology includes a search for chemicals or drugs in the blood, saliva, and urine. Obviously, this autopsy must be done prior to the burial so your wrongful death attorney will act swiftly to ensure that all necessary actions are taken before the decedent is buried.

Other examples of evidence that needs to be gathered in a timely fashion include police reports, witness statements, photographs and videos, death certificate, and physical objects that are related to the wrongful death.

2. You Will Need Top-Notch Expert Review

Your wrongful death case is likely complicated. It will require expert review and analysis. Your wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia has access to the best experts in the country. Your wrongful death attorney will ensure that the most qualified experts review your case and write an ironclad report to bolster your claim in court.

1. Your Complaint Will Include All Necessary Claims for Compensation

A wrongful death attorney evaluates the case with knowledge of all possible causes of action and claims for wrongful death damages.

Under Pennsylvania’s wrongful death statute, there are two main categories of compensation: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are quantifiable, the exact figure can be established with documentation. They include lost wages, medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, and estate administration costs. 

Non-economic damages are not quantifiable – they are more of a subjective assessment of the sad consequences of a wrongful death. They include loss of companionship and pain and suffering. 

You should hire a wrongful death attorney to help you with all of the difficult stages of the claim. To talk with an experienced wrongful death attorney, contact the lawyers at VSCP LAW (www.vscplaw.com).