New Jersey

856.219.2481

Philadelphia

215.914.6919

New Jersey

856.219.2481

Philadelphia

215.914.6919

Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death and survival action cases are among the most heart-wrenching types of cases that our firm handles. Hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer like John Mattiacci is crucial to navigate the legal process and protect the rights of the family.

We represent families who have lost a loved one in an accident and fight to bring those responsible to justice. We are compassionate toward our clients and stop at nothing to pursue those who are at fault. The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act allows the personal representative of the estate to bring a lawsuit for compensation on behalf of certain beneficiaries, covering damages such as funeral expenses, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.

We have obtained significant recoveries in many cases, but especially wrongful death and survival action cases. John helped represent the family of a man who was attacked and murdered in a bar. John also helped obtained a recovery for the family of a man who was killed in a car accident and whose body not found for more than thirty days.

If you have lost a family member or loved one in an accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact Mattiacci Law today. John and the firm will make every effort to counsel you and your family through the tragedy and aggressively pursue the ones responsible.

Meet John Mattiacci

A Compassionate Advocate for Grieving Families

John Mattiacci, the founder of Mattiacci Law, has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of those who have suffered unimaginable loss. With nearly two decades of experience handling wrongful death cases in Philadelphia, John understands the unique challenges and emotional toll these cases can have on families.

John’s extensive experience includes representing families who have lost loved ones in a wide range of tragic circumstances, including:

  • Fatal car accidents caused by reckless or negligent drivers
  • Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or employer negligence
  • Medical malpractice leading to preventable deaths
  • Product liability cases involving dangerous or defective products

John’s compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to his clients have earned him a reputation as a trusted advocate for grieving families. He is committed to helping families navigate the legal complexities of wrongful death claims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

When you work with John, you can expect:

  • Personalized Attention: John takes the time to get to know each client and their unique situation, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process.
  • Aggressive Representation: John is a skilled negotiator and litigator who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
  • Compassionate Support: John understands the emotional toll of losing a loved one and is committed to providing compassionate support to his clients during this difficult time.

If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, John Mattiacci and the team at Mattiacci Law are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for justice on your behalf.

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Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer helping victims with a wrongful death lawsuit

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Philadelphia

The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim in Philadelphia, PA allows surviving family members to seek justice and compensation for their loss. These claims can arise from various situations, including:

Philadelphia PA wrongful death attorneys file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek monetary compensation or seek financial compensation for legal rights after a woman killed from medical negligence

Negligent driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving can lead to tragic consequences.

Errors in diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedures can result in preventable deaths.

Unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or inadequate training can cause fatal injuries.

Defective products, such as malfunctioning vehicles or dangerous medications, can lead to fatal accidents.

Hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, like slip and falls or inadequate security, can lead to fatalities.

Statute of Limitations in Wrongful Death Cases

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date of death. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadline.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

The damages recoverable in a wrongful death claim, also known as wrongful death damages, are intended to compensate the surviving family members for their losses, including:

This includes the income the deceased would have earned throughout their lifetime.

This accounts for the emotional support, love, and guidance the deceased provided.

This covers the value of household chores, childcare, or other services the deceased performed.

This includes the costs incurred due to the deceased’s injuries and funeral arrangements.

Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers working on a wrongful death lawsuit for monetary compensation after a family member's death due to someone else's negligence in personal injury cases

Why Choose Mattiacci Law for Your Wrongful Death Claim?

At Mattiacci Law, we’re committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our experienced attorneys, including an experienced wrongful death lawyer, have a deep understanding of wrongful death law in Pennsylvania and a proven track record of success. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve during this difficult time.

Mattiacci Law – Your Trusted Advocates

At Mattiacci Law, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one. Our compassionate and experienced wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping families seek justice and closure. We’ll guide you through the legal process with empathy and determination, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. Personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in handling wrongful death cases, from preserving evidence to proving the most common causes and involving expert witnesses.

The Importance of an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. Personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in handling wrongful death cases, ensuring that all aspects are meticulously managed. An experienced wrongful death attorney can:

Investigate the Accident

Thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death to establish liability.

Gather Evidence

Collect and preserve crucial evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.

Calculate Damages

Accurately assess the financial and emotional losses suffered by the surviving family members.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.

Litigate in Court

If necessary, represent your interests in court and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action: Understanding the Difference

In Pennsylvania, two distinct types of claims, wrongful death lawsuits and survival actions, can arise from a wrongful death:

This claim is brought by the surviving family members to recover damages for their own losses, such as loss of financial support and companionship.

This claim is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to had they lived, such as pain and suffering and medical expenses.

The Legal Process of Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Philadelphia

While the emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, understanding the legal process can empower you to seek justice. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in filing a wrongful death claim and wrongful death lawsuits in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers working on a personal injury case to seek monetary compensation under Pennsylvania law following victim's death

The first step is a thorough investigation of the incident. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and consulting with experts to determine liability.

Your attorney will file a complaint with the appropriate court, outlining the facts of the case, the legal basis for the claim, and the damages sought.

Both sides exchange information through interrogatories (written questions), depositions (oral testimony), and requests for documents.

Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Your attorney will advocate for your interests and seek a fair resolution.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge and jury.

The jury will reach a verdict, determining liability and damages. Either party may appeal the decision if they believe errors were made during the trial.

The Emotional Impact of Wrongful Death

While financial compensation can help alleviate some of the burdens caused by a wrongful death, it can never fully compensate for the loss of a loved one. The emotional trauma experienced by surviving family members is often profound and long-lasting. Wrongful death damages can include compensation for emotional trauma, helping families seek justice and find some measure of relief.

At Mattiacci Law, we recognize the emotional toll that wrongful death takes on families. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support throughout the legal process, understanding that seeking justice can be an important step in the healing process. We’ll work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and help you find closure.

Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers and wrongful death attorney working on a wrongful death case and wrongful death claims.

Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must prove the following elements of negligence:

The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, and doctors have a duty to provide competent medical care.

The defendant breached their duty of care through a negligent act or omission. This means they failed to act as a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.

The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the death of your loved one. There must be a direct link between their actions or inaction and the fatal outcome.

You must have suffered damages as a result of your loved one’s death, such as financial losses, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. To recover wrongful death damages, you need to prove these elements of negligence and demonstrate the extent of your losses.

Wrongful death victims and grieving family members considering wrongful death settlements and financial compensation for fatal injuries after a free consultation addressing legal concerns

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members. These typically include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act allows the personal representative to bring a lawsuit for compensation on behalf of certain beneficiaries.

Speak to a Skilled Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

It takes knowledge, skill, and tenacity to handle wrongful death cases in Philadelphia, PA. There is no substitute for experience. Our Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys have handled wrongful death cases in Philadelphia for nearly twenty years. When you need help you can rely upon the team at Mattiacci Law to fight for you.

Our wrongful death lawyers stand ready to answer your questions. We are here to help. for a free consultation. The initial consultation is completely free. Call us now at 215-914-6919 or call toll free at 866-617-0050.

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Top FAQs for Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyers

In Pennsylvania, such a case potentially involves any accident in which a person is killed because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts of another person. Claims arise from many types of accidents. These can include fatal car accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, electrocutions, and assault cases. Any accident or incident in which a person is killed due to the fault of another person may create a claim.

The claim is brought for the benefit of the deceased person’s beneficiaries. Under Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Statute, a case can be brought by a personal representative on behalf of the deceased person’s beneficiaries. Often times this means that a representative can bring a suit on behalf of the deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents. (42 Pa. C.S. 8301). The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act allows for compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of future income, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.

The wrongful death claim is a direct claim on behalf of the family members. This differs from a survival action.

Damages are meant to compensate the spouse, children, or parents of a deceased person for pecuniary loss they have sustained as a result of the family member’s death. These damages, known as wrongful death damages, include the value of services the loved one would have contributed for the benefit of his or her dependents. Other special damages include reasonable hospital, nursing, medical, and funeral expenses incurred by reason of the injuries that caused the death.

Money obtained through a claim is generally not subject to inheritance tax. The money is distributed according to Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws. This means that the money is distributed between the beneficiaries as if the person that died did not have a will. These beneficiaries include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person.

This is a significant difference between a wrongful death and survival action.

A survival action is a claim made on behalf of a deceased person’s estate, distinct from wrongful death claims and wrongful death lawsuits. Survival actions seek to compensate the person that died. The person’s direct claims “survive” the person’s death and are brought on behalf of that person by the administrator of his or her estate.

Pennsylvania’s survival action statute allows recovery for the pain and suffering suffered by the deceased person before that person died. Damages can also include the loss of gross earning power from the date of injury until death, and the loss of earning power, less personal maintenance expenses, from the time of the death of the victim through his or her estimated working life span.

Unlike a wrongful death action, a survival action is a direct claim by the estate and belongs to the deceased person’s estate. Any money recovered through a survival action may be subject to inheritance taxes.

There are several critical differences:

  • There is no statute of limitations for manslaughter.
  • You can win damages in a lawsuit, but not in a criminal prosecution.
  • The burden of proof is much lower in a wrongful death lawsuit, making the case easier to win.
  • The two proceedings are independent– an acquittal in criminal court doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the civil lawsuit (O.J. Simpson in California).

In principle, you have two years after the date of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Since calculating the statute of limitations deadline can be deceptively complex under certain circumstances, however, consult with your lawyer on this matter.

Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages even if your loved one was partially at fault, as long as their fault was not greater than 50%.

The length of a wrongful death lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. It can take anywhere from several months to several years.

The amount of compensation varies widely depending on the specific facts of the case, the extent of the damages, and the degree of the defendant’s liability.

In some cases, you may be able to recover damages from other sources, such as the deceased’s own insurance policy or a third-party liable for the death.

Philadelphia Wrongful Death Blogs

  • How to Find the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Philadelphia?

    December 16, 2022 | Read Time: 6 minutes

    Families deserve justice when a wrongful death takes their loved ones. Choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between receiving the best possible result and a protracted slog that disappoints families.

    Read More

  • What Is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?

    June 8, 2022 | Read Time: 5 minutes

    The untimely loss of a loved one due to another’s negligence is a devastating experience. In Pennsylvania, those affected by such a tragedy may have recourse through legal action. However, understanding the nuances between a wrongful death claim and a survival action is crucial. In short, a wrongful death claim is brought by a deceased […]

    Read More

  • Time Requirements for Filing a Wrongful Death Suit in Pennsylvania

    March 8, 2022 | Read Time: 6 minutes

    When someone dies as the result of another person’s negligence or intentional, malicious act, it is legally termed as a “wrongful death.” If someone has caused the loss of life to your spouse, immediate family member, or someone else in your family, you have the right to file a wrongful death suit against that person. […]

    Read More

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856.219.2481

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1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-914-6919

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110 Marter Ave #502a, Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-219-2481

Copyright © 2023 Mattiacci Law | All Rights Reserved | Sitemap

DISCLAIMER: Personal injury lawyer John A. Mattiacci, Jr. is an attorney at Mattiacci Law, LLC, which practices in PA & NJ. John and the firm only provide legal advice to clients after having entered into an attorney-client relationship. Our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. The description of awards and cases previously handled do not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases as every case is different. This website is Attorney Advertising. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Martindale-Hubbell, AVVO, and other organizations that rate attorneys are not designations that have been approved by the State Supreme Courts or the American Bar Association.

New Jersey

856.219.2481

Philadelphia

215.914.6919