The answer depends on one key question: did another person or organization cause the death through carelessness, recklessness, or wrongdoing? If so, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
Our wrongful death lawyers at Marzella & Associates in Harrisburg, PA, help families navigate this complex area of Pennsylvania law, uncovering whether the circumstances meet the legal threshold and guiding them through every step of pursuing justice and compensation.
Parameters for Wrongful Death Claim
Under the PA Code, a wrongful death claim exists when a person’s death results from the negligent or wrongful act of another. The law allows certain family members, usually a spouse, children, or dependent parents, to seek damages for both financial and emotional losses resulting from the death. These claims are intended to compensate for what the deceased would’ve been able to recover if they had survived. That includes medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship and guidance.
However, not every tragic death creates a wrongful death claim. The key is proof of preventability. If someone’s actions or their failure to act caused your loved one’s death, and that harm was foreseeable, you may have a valid claim. It’s not about punishing honest mistakes or bad luck. It’s about accountability when preventable errors destroy lives.
Everyday Situations That Lead to Wrongful Death Claims in Harrisburg
Most wrongful death claims arise from preventable scenarios such as:
- Traffic collisions – The latest PennDOT data recorded 1,209 traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania, many involving speeding, distracted driving, or intoxication.
- Unsafe workplaces – Construction and industrial sites pose serious risks when employers cut safety corners.
- Negligent property maintenance – Falls, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning typically stem from ignored hazards.
- Medical malpractice – Misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors can all result in fatal outcomes. For instance, we represented a family forever changed by the loss of a mother and her newborn, who both died shortly after delivery. By working with medical experts and piecing together the full timeline, our Harrisburg wrongful death attorneys showed how the system’s failures led to this preventable loss. We recovered $9 million for the family, bringing them accountability and a sense of closure after unimaginable grief.
Each of these tragedies starts with the same truth. Someone owed a duty of care and failed to meet it. Proving that connection between negligence and loss is what transforms grief into a wrongful death claim.
How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Help
Determining whether you have a wrongful death claim is rarely straightforward. Families are grieving, and hospitals, insurers, or other parties can obscure the facts. We can identify who is legally responsible and how their actions violated the standard of care.
Likewise, they can consult with experts who can clarify what went wrong and calculate both the financial and emotional costs of the loss. They will handle every conversation with insurers or opposing counsel and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
Trust Our Attorneys to Handle Your Case
We often meet clients who say, “I just want to know if we have a case.” That’s where the work begins. We investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and determine if pursuing a claim is justified. At Marzella & Associates, we believe that families deserve clarity and accountability during one of life’s most difficult moments. Call 717-876-8681 or contact us online for your no-cost case review.