Wrongful Death Info Center

Wrongful Death Information Center

Richards & Richards, LLP

There is nothing more tragic than losing a loved one in an accident. The last thing you should have to worry about at a time like this is money. Yet often, when a loved one is killed, survivors face difficult financial issues. The Pittsburgh, PA-area law firm of Richards & Richards, LLP, has spent more than 35 years battling the most powerful opponents to get our clients the money they need to move on with life. Before our lawyers get to work, however, it is important that you understand the basics of Wrongful Death law. Please read the following information carefully.

The attorneys and support staff of Richards & Richards, LLP, are always available to answer any questions you may have. We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations, and if we cannot help you, we can refer you to another lawyer who can. If you live in Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Johnstown, Sharon, New Castle, Butler, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Kittanning, Washington, Indiana, or anywhere else in Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Beaver County, Mercer County, Lawrence County, Armstrong County, Washington County, Cambria County, or Indiana County, please contact us today. Please do not delay - your family's welfare is too important.

Wrongful Death - An Overview

Losing a loved one is painful. Losing a loved one due to wrongful death can be even more difficult. If someone's wrongful actions caused injuries that resulted in your loved one's death, that is a wrongful death. At common law, there was no legal action that surviving family members could take. That changed, however, when governments began to make laws protecting survivors. Now, in every state in the US, the representative or heirs of a person lost to wrongful death may file a lawsuit for monetary damages. The laws, however, vary quite a bit from state to state, so consulting with an attorney is advisable.

The main method courts have for measuring loss in wrongful death lawsuits is pecuniary damages — that is, the court must determine the proper compensation for the financial loss that the death has caused. Though this may seem harsh or cold, money damages are the remedy that civil courts have at their disposal. Thus, when the courts measure loss, the first thing most of them turn to is quantifiable data:

• How much money did the deceased earn?
• How much money did the deceased save?
• How financially dependent were the survivors on the deceased?

The court will also take into consideration:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses

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The Physician-Patient Privilege in Wrongful Death Cases

The physician-patient privilege is designed to help each patient feel free to tell the doctor the whole truth about what the patient is experiencing; that way, the doctor will have the best information for diagnosing and treating the patient. This privilege can be very important for the relationship between the doctor and the patient. When a patient passes away, however, what happens to the privilege?

If you want to take legal action because your loved one suffered a wrongful death, you may have questions about the privacy of the medical records involved. For more information on physician-patient privilege, speak with an experienced attorney.

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The Wrongful Death of a Child or an Elderly Person

No matter what the age of the loved one you have lost, the grief is powerful. The law, however, often takes age into account when it assesses your loss. Because your loved one cannot be replaced, the law is at a disadvantage to truly compensate you. Money is one measure that the legal system can objectively use to reflect what has been lost. For more information on how the law applies to the wrongful death of your child or elderly relative, contact an attorney.

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Statutes of Limitations and the Discovery Rule

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, the last thing you may want to think about is how your legal rights are affected. The law surrounding wrongful death, however, allows legal action to be taken only for a limited period of time. When this period has elapsed, you will no longer have the option of filing a lawsuit. An attorney can answer your questions about how much time you have to take action.

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Monetary Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Legal actions for wrongful death can be very complex, especially when the harmful acts of several parties contributed to an individual's death. Some parties may settle the matter before the case goes to trial; others may see it all the way to a verdict. No matter who the defendant is, the amount and type of financial recovery the plaintiff can make depend on the law of the state in which the case takes place. Contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights.

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