Losing a loved one because of someone else's negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. In the midst of grief, families are suddenly faced with financial pressures, unanswered questions about what happened, and decisions about whether to pursue legal action. Pennsylvania law allows certain surviving family members to hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for the losses that follow a wrongful death.
Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. represents grieving families throughout Washington County in wrongful death claims. Our Washington County personal injury lawyers are committed to pursuing justice for families who have lost someone they love due to another party's negligence. Call (412) 391-7610 for a free, confidential consultation today.
Why Washington County Residents Choose Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman for Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases are among the most complex and emotionally demanding matters in personal injury law. Families choosing legal representation deserve a firm with the experience, resources, and proven track record to handle these cases effectively. Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. brings over 170 years of combined legal experience to every case, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families, and they win 99.7% of the time.
Law firm partner and president Craig L. Fishman has been recognized with the highest possible national rating for legal skills and ethics since 2005, as a Super Lawyer since 2005, including selection to the Super Lawyers Top 100 list, and as Best in America since 2008. He holds the record for obtaining the highest verdict in a tractor-trailer death case in Washington County. While other law firms charge 40%, our fee is only 25%, which puts more money in our clients’ pockets!
How Wrongful Death Cases Work in Washington County
A wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania is a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of the deceased's surviving family members and estate. It is separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from the same incident and can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. The civil standard of proof, a preponderance of the evidence, is lower than the criminal standard, meaning a wrongful death claim can succeed even when a criminal prosecution does not.
Pennsylvania's Wrongful Death Act allows eligible family members to seek compensation for the financial losses the death caused to the family. A companion action, the Survival Act, allows the estate to recover for the losses the deceased suffered between the injury and their death, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings during that period. Both claims are typically pursued together and require thorough legal analysis to pursue fully.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas
Wrongful death actions in Washington County are filed in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. Under Pennsylvania law, the claim must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of eligible beneficiaries, including the surviving spouse, children, or parents.
To initiate a wrongful death claim, the personal representative must first be formally appointed by the Register of Wills if one has not already been named. The process then involves preparing and filing a civil Complaint that outlines the facts of the case, the legal basis for liability, and the damages being sought. The Complaint must be filed with the court before the expiration of the Statute of Limitations, properly served on all defendants, and followed by compliance with Pennsylvania’s procedural rules, including applicable deadlines, discovery requirements, and court filings.
Because wrongful death litigation involves strict procedural requirements and deadlines, working with an attorney familiar with the Washington County Court of Common Pleas helps ensure the claim is properly filed and preserves the family’s right to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Washington County
Understanding the most common causes of fatal accidents in Washington County can help families recognize when negligence may have played a role in their loved one’s death. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., our attorneys represent families in complex wrongful death cases and work to identify the responsible parties and pursue the full compensation available under Pennsylvania law. Contact us at (412) 391-7610 to discuss your situation today.
Fatal Car and Truck Accidents on Routes 19, 40, and I-70
Washington County includes several heavily traveled roadways where serious and fatal accidents occur, including Route 19, Route 40, and Interstate 70. These corridors carry high volumes of both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, increasing the risk of severe collisions.
Fatal car accidents in this area often involve distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe passing, and crashes involving large commercial vehicles. When a fatal accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against responsible parties, including the driver, a trucking company, or others who contributed to the crash.
Workplace Fatalities in the Region's Industrial and Construction Sectors
Washington County has a strong industrial and construction presence, and fatal workplace accidents in these sectors are a recurring basis for wrongful death claims. When a worker is killed due to unsafe conditions, inadequate safety equipment, third-party negligence, or violations of safety regulations, surviving family members may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. Third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, contractors, or property owners can provide additional compensation not available through workers’ compensation, including damages for pain and suffering and the broader impact of the loss on the family.
Medical Malpractice and Fatal Hospital Negligence
Not all wrongful deaths result from accidents. When a patient dies as a result of a healthcare provider's failure to meet the accepted standard of care, a wrongful death claim based on medical malpractice may be available. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, medication errors, and failures in monitoring and post-operative care are among the most common forms of fatal medical negligence.
These cases typically require expert medical testimony and careful analysis of the medical records, making experienced legal representation essential from the earliest stages.
What Families Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim
Pennsylvania wrongful death and survival act claims allow families to pursue compensation across multiple categories including:
- Funeral and burial expenses incurred by the family.
- Medical expenses the deceased incurred between the injury and death.
- Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided to the family.
- Lost household services and contributions the deceased made to the family.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and the relationship the deceased provided to surviving spouse and children.
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased between the injury and death, recoverable through the survival action.
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on the deceased's age, earning history, the nature of the relationship with surviving family members, and the circumstances of the death. Comprehensive damages calculations supported by economic experts and other qualified professionals are a standard component of how Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. builds these cases.
Pennsylvania's Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death and survival act claims, running from the date of the deceased's death. Missing this deadline generally eliminates the family's right to pursue compensation regardless of how compelling the case may be. For claims involving government entities, significantly shorter notice requirements apply and must be satisfied before any lawsuit can proceed.
Two years moves faster than families expect, particularly when the early months following a loss are consumed by grief, financial adjustment, and estate administration. Consulting an attorney as early as possible after a wrongful death preserves all available options and allows investigation to begin while evidence is still accessible.
Contact Our Washington County Wrongful Death Lawyers to Discuss Your Case
If your family has lost a loved one due to another party's negligence in Washington County or anywhere in Western Pennsylvania, Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. is ready to listen, evaluate your case, and pursue all available avenues of accountability and compensation available under Pennsylvania law. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingent fee basis with no upfront costs, and our 25% fee ensures that we put more money in our clients’ pockets!
Contact us at (412) 391-7610 to speak with our Washington County wrongful death lawyers today.
