Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is an immense tragedy, especially when their death occurs due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. The team at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers understands your pain, anger, and confusion after such a traumatic event and is ready to fight for justice on your behalf.

As experienced wrongful death attorneys in Philadelphia, we focus on guiding families through the complex legal process following such a tragic event. We handle every part of the case so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

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Why Choose TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers?

Thanks to more than 20 years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases, our attorneys have an unmatched understanding of Pennsylvania laws and the Philadelphia legal system. We’re ready to bring that experience to your case.

Work with us, and you’ll receive personal attention and compassionate counsel throughout the entire process. We understand how difficult this time is for victims’ families, and our goal is to do everything in our power to make it a little less difficult.

Our Philadelphia office is conveniently located on Olney Avenue just north of downtown, minutes from Olney Station and south of Fisher Park. Call today for your free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you can partner with us without upfront payment.

TopDog Law has the skills and resources to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf after a tragic wrongful death. We have a tangible stake in your success because we only get paid if you win your case or receive a settlement.

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How TopDog Law Handles Wrongful Death Cases

When you work with us, we’ll use the initial consultation to learn as many details about your case as possible. We might ask for any documentation or supporting evidence you gathered that you may not have with you.

We typically begin by establishing the circumstances surrounding the cause of your loved one’s death and familiarizing ourselves with the investigation. If authorities determine a responsible party, we can file a claim against them. We can also continue gathering evidence from multiple sources to strengthen your claim or demonstrate another party’s responsibility.

Once we file a claim, your case may involve several stages, including negotiations, pretrial motions, a trial, and the verdict. The other party may offer a settlement at any stage, which we’ll bring to you along with our recommendation. If the case results in an unfavorable verdict, we can discuss the possibilities of an appeal.

Every case is unique, and this process can vary significantly based on variables such as the circumstances of death, the evidence available, and the parties involved. Let our experience managing wrongful death claims, particularly in Philadelphia, become an asset as you seek compensation.

Protecting Your Rights When Pursuing Wrongful Death Compensation

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As overwhelming as the aftermath of a wrongful death case can be, you need to understand your rights in this situation. Let TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers navigate the legal environment on your behalf and get the appropriate compensation for your loss.

Any immediate family members of a person who has died wrongfully have the right to file a lawsuit against the party at fault.

This lawsuit can seek compensation for various damages, including:

  • Financial losses experienced as a result of the death.
  • Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress.

Financial losses stemming from the death of your loved ones tend to be relatively straightforward. They may include lost earnings from the deceased, medical expenses, and funeral costs. You can also receive compensation for loss of future earnings.

Compensation for emotional distress, though harder to quantify, is also central to most wrongful death claims. The pain and suffering you and your family may experience due to your loss is a significant factor in determining potential compensation.

Pennsylvania law sets no limit for wrongful death compensation. The court will determine the damages you can receive, which can reach into the millions. Let TopDog Law layers explain your rights and seek maximum compensation for your financial and non-economic damages.

The Basics of Wrongful Death Law in Philadelphia

As a subset of personal injury law, Pennsylvania state law governs wrongful deaths in Philadelphia. That law primarily aims to help the victim’s loved ones get compensation to ease the financial burden and emotional loss.

Pennsylvania law defines wrongful death as a death caused by another party’s wrongful act or negligence.

This other party may vary depending on the case but may include:

  • Another person, such as the driver who caused the accident.
  • A local firm, such as a Philadelphia construction firm, that failed to maintain safe conditions at a work site.
  • A large corporation, such as an auto manufacturer, whose part or vehicle defect caused the accident.

A combination of the above may bear liability to you. You can hold medical professionals and medical institutions responsible for medical malpractice causing wrongful death, for example.

While the circumstances surrounding a fatality can vary significantly, the fundamental element in these cases is that someone else’s carelessness or recklessness led to the death.

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Where Do Wrongful Deaths in Philadelphia Occur?

As the sixth-largest city in the United States, Philadelphia is home to busy highways, construction zones, and dense urban streets. As a result, the city sees a high rate of serious accidents.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Philadelphia saw nearly 11 percent of the commonwealth’s total traffic fatalities in 2021, with 128 car accidents resulting in death. The city alone has more than 2,500 miles of roadways, but some hotspots are particularly dangerous.

Philadelphia is home to four of the commonwealth’s 10 deadliest road segments:

  • Roosevelt Boulevard
  • Delaware Expressway (I-95)
  • Schuylkill Expressway
  • Broad Street

Wrongful deaths can also occur due to factors other than traffic. Medical malpractice cases in the city are surging, and the city’s real estate boom has led to countless construction sites that pose hazardous conditions.

But even with hotspots like these, wrongful deaths in Philadelphia can occur anywhere and at any time. Work with TopDog Law for the local knowledge you need to understand the city’s environment and how it may influence your claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

The right to file a wrongful death lawsuit typically belongs to the deceased’s closest relatives. In most cases, this includes spouses, children, and parents. The general rule in Pennsylvania law is that only a personal relative can bring the suit.

If no personal relative has brought a wrongful death suit within six months of the death, however, other legal beneficiaries of the deceased may look to recover damages. When someone files a wrongful death claim, others cannot simultaneously bring their own.

That means Pennsylvania wrongful death claims can become particularly challenging. We’ll navigate this complex environment to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

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The Role of a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Your Claim

The legal intricacies can be daunting for the grieving family in the emotional turmoil following a wrongful death. A dedicated wrongful death lawyer like TopDog Law can offer legal assistance, guidance, and support throughout the process.

Wrongful death lawyers can:

  • Investigate the death
  • Collect evidence
  • Identify the liable parties
  • File the case
  • Represent you in court
  • Negotiate settlements

In other words, you can feel safe knowing that we’ll take charge of every part of your claim. We aim to secure the highest possible compensation for your family while ensuring the process is as stress-free for you as possible.

Our proficiency in handling wrongful death cases showcases our commitment to seeking justice for our clients. We understand the emotional trauma and financial stress that families go through after a loved one’s death and strive to alleviate their distress through proactive legal assistance.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death

Act quickly and decisively after your loved one’s death to seek justice and compensation. Inform the relevant authorities, such as the police and a coroner, as soon as possible to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of death. Keep all correspondence and receipts, which might be evidence for the case or documentation for compensation down the road.

Secure relevant legal representation as quickly as possible after you suspect that negligence or recklessness caused your loved one’s death. Experienced lawyers, such as those at TopDog Law, can guide you through the legal process, from filing a claim to completing the case.

Establishing a partnership with the right law firm removes the onus on you to gather evidence related to your case or continue correspondence with other parties. Your lawyer becomes your legal representative, handling everything related to the case on your behalf.

The right legal representation prevents you from unknowingly jeopardizing the claim by making unintentional statements or missing critical deadlines. Knowing that your legal case is in good hands also gives you the peace of mind to grieve.

After you suspect wrongful death:

  • Avoid posting details on social media or discussing them with other parties.
  • Keep records of all expenses related to medical treatment, funeral costs, and loss of earnings.
  • Write down your memories of your loved one and how their death influenced your life to demonstrate emotional suffering.
  • Obtain copies of all relevant documents, including medical, autopsy, and police reports.

During your initial consultation with us, we will reiterate these steps and provide advice. Contacting an attorney like TopDog Law promptly can substantially strengthen your case and the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Fighting the Insurance Company in Wrongful Death Claims

As much as you want to prove injustice in the death of your loved one, other parties have an equal stake in proving their innocence. And they may have powerful resources on their side. Liability insurance providers look for every piece of evidence they can find to show their party’s innocence and minimize the compensation they owe you.

Battling big insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. With TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers by your side, you gain decades of experience negotiating and litigating against insurance companies. We know their tactics and fight relentlessly to counter their arguments. We aim to represent your best interest throughout every stage of the claim as we battle for justice on your behalf.

Let TopDog Law Assist in Your Wrongful Death Case

We know from experience how much a seasoned attorney can alleviate the stress for grieving families after losing a loved one. That’s why our team of dedicated legal professionals aims to ensure you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

We don’t just provide initial advice or act as your trial lawyer. We can also conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, identify liable parties, file lawsuits, and represent you during court proceedings or settlement negotiations. We handle the entire legal process to allow you to focus on healing.

When you choose TopDog Law, you gain a partner who understands your current emotional turbulence and brings a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes. Our extensive experience, in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania law, and client-focused approach allow us to seek the best compensation for the bereaved family. Put your trust in our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers to handle your case from start to finish while providing compassionate support every step of the way.

If you’ve lost a loved one in Philadelphia, let us seek justice. Call our office at (214) 544-3707 for a free consultation as your first step toward the compensation you deserve.

TopDog Personal Injury Lawyers – Philadelphia Office

434 West Olney Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19120

Ph: 214-544-3707

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