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Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Award-Winning Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compensating Tragedies with Maximum Settlements for Over 50 Years

Losing a loved one is always a tragedy, and it can be even more upsetting when that death could have been prevented. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s violence, negligence, or wrongful act, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. You may be wondering how you will pay for funeral expenses and support your family after such a devastating loss.

There is hope, and you may be entitled to financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. The wrongful death lawyers from The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia have helped numerous families in your situation obtain justice and compensation. Contact us today at 800-969-4400 and find out how we can help you too.

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Why Hire The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for a Wrongful Death Case?

“Even if the person who caused your loved one’s death is held accountable for their actions and faces criminal charges as a result, that does not make things easier for you or your family. You may find yourself struggling to move forward in your life with a new sense of normal again. We are here to help you get through your battles by being the best lawyers we can be.” – Robert Miller, Esq.

1. You can have the best attorney

In a wrongful death lawsuit, having a great lawyer can mean the difference between winning and losing a case. A good lawyer knows the law and can represent you, but a great lawyer has the ability to tell your story as a compelling argument in court. A great lawyer is also experienced, aggressive when they need to be, and creative. The wrongful death lawyers at The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia have the resources to persevere and never give up.

While there are many qualified attorneys out there, not all of them will be a good fit for your case. If you hire the wrong attorney, you may end up with a lower settlement than you could have received, and you will be left feeling frustrated and angry. In a wrongful death lawsuit, you need a great lawyer on your side. Don’t settle for anything less.

2. Compassion for our clients

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “If you are a true professional, you will use your law degree to help make things a little better for other people.” Staying true to Justice Ginsburg’s guidance, The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a long history of compassionately representing clients who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful acts of others.

All of us at The Cochran Firm feel that we are called to this profession, and many of our attorneys have dedicated their lives to helping others get justice and compensation. We know that a grieving family could not take on a wrongful death and survivorship case on their own, and hiring an attorney is a necessity.

We promise to patiently guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim. We promise to listen to witnesses, opposing counsel, judges, and you, our client. We promise to return phone calls within 24 business hours and answer all your questions. The way we see it, being compassionate is being professional, and it makes a difference in everyone’s life.

3. The results of full and fair compensation

We understand that no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but we also know that financial compensation can alleviate some of the burdens associated with a fatal injury. One of the ways to help you and your family cope with such an untimely loss is to have a successful outcome in your case. That’s why it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced Injury lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Not every wrongful death case goes to trial and many claims can be settled out of court with skilled and assertive negotiation; however, if the amount of compensation we are seeking is contested or inadequate, we will file a lawsuit and demand a jury trial if necessary.

Our attorneys have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including representing victims in a wrongful death building collapse that concluded with $227M in compensation. When you hire our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers, you can be confident that we will do everything in our power to get you the results you need to move forward.

Experience, compassion, and results. Contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for representation in a death injury case by calling 800-969-4400 today.

5 Ways a Wrongful Death Attorney in Philadelphia Can Help Right Now

At this difficult time, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through this alone. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia can help. The following are five ways one of our wrongful death attorneys can help you right now:

1. Schedule a free consultation

We will schedule you a 100% free, face-to-face consultation with an attorney at your convenience and without obligation. We want to get to know you, find out what happened, and learn how the death of your loved one has affected you and what we can do to help. We will answer any questions and clearly explain the wrongful death lawsuit process.

2. We will determine the loss of income

We will confirm that the death of your loved one resulted in financial losses. Your Philadelphia wrongful death attorney will help you determine how much the deceased was earning at the time of their death and calculate your potential damages. We will also establish the amount of any medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

3. We will gather evidence and start to build your case

We will gather evidence, investigate the cause of death, and build a strong case. We will also hire experts to testify or reconstruct accidents. Once the investigation is complete, your lawyer will begin to prepare any necessary paperwork against the responsible parties and file a wrongful death claim.

4. We will stop bill collectors from harassing you

If your spouse or loved one was the breadwinner or contributed to the family’s maintenance – i.e., food, shelter, clothing, car payment, etc., you may not have enough to make ends meet due to the loss of their income. If you start receiving calls from creditors demanding payment, contact our accident law firm. We will put a stop to the harassment and provide legal assistance you need in this difficult situation.

5. We will protect your rights

Your Philadelphia wrongful death attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from filing the initial complaint and all paperwork to representing you in court and negotiating with the liable parties. We will make sure that you are fairly compensated for your losses and that the people responsible for the death of your spouse or loved one are held accountable.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a wrongful act, a crime, or someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death attorney. Call 800-969-4400 today.

What Are Some Common Types of Wrongful Death?

It’s Not What We Know as Lawyers, It’s How We Use What We Know to Help You

The death of a loved one is always difficult, but it can be especially devastating when the death is caused by another person’s negligence or their intent to do harm. If you have lost a family member due to wrongful death, you may be wondering if you have a case. While every situation is unique, the following are some common types and examples of wrongful death cases.

Wrongful Death from an Automobile Accident

Some of the most common types of wrongful death cases arise from automobile, motorcycle, and truck accidents. The most recent results tell us that over 1,200 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania every year. If a driver is speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise driving recklessly, they may be held liable if their actions result in a fatal accident. When faced with such circumstances, consulting a truck accident lawyer becomes essential to navigate through the legal complexities involved in securing justice and compensation.

Medical Malpractice Causing Wrongful Death

Another example of wrongful death involving medical malpractice is when a person goes to a hospital for a routine surgical procedure. After being given anesthesia, the person stops breathing and goes into cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, the patient cannot be revived and is pronounced dead shortly afterward. An investigation later determines that the anesthesia error lawyer finds out that the anesthesia machine had not been properly calibrated, causing the patient to receive too much medication and leading to their death. In such cases, it is important to seek the help of a medical malpractice attorney who can provide guidance and support through the legal process.

Wrongful Death in a Crashworthiness Case

A death injury can occur when a defect in an automobile doesn’t cause the accident, but the defect enhances the injury causing death. For example, a man is killed after his SUV was rear-ended by another car. The impact caused the SUV’s gas tank to rupture, and the vehicle caught fire. The man died of his injuries. Investigators later determined that the SUV’s gas tank had been defectively designed and that it was known to be vulnerable to puncture in a rear-end collision. As a result of the crashworthiness defect, the man’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the car manufacturer with the help of a car accident attorney.

Wrongful Death from an Animal Attack

When dog owners are negligent in controlling their pets, it can result in death for innocent bystanders. For example, a 19-year-old woman is killed in a dog attack while she was out walking her dog in a park in Philadelphia. The woman was attacked by two pit bulls that were known to be vicious and had been roaming the park off-leash. The dogs pulled her to the ground and mauled her, causing severe injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries and died. The owners of the dogs are charged with involuntary manslaughter and sued for wrongful death.

Construction Accidents Causing Wrongful Death

The lack of safety in the construction industry can have devastating consequences which can result in the wrongful deaths of workers. For example, a construction worker is working on the fifth story of an unfinished building in downtown Philadelphia. The scaffolding he is standing on collapses and he plummets to his death, leaving behind his wife and two young children. The scaffolding had been assembled incorrectly, and the company that owned the building was aware of the potential hazards. However, they failed to take action to address the problem. As a result, the construction worker’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, alleging that their negligence led to his death.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you will need to show that the defendant caused the death of your loved one from negligence, wrongful acts, or strict liability. If you are successful, you may be able to recover damages. An attorney can review your case and help you determine whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.

Pursuing a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties can help survivors recover compensation for their losses. Contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia at 800-969-4400 and schedule a consultation today.

FAQs for Our Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorney

Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Philadelphia Answer Frequently Asked Questions

What is wrongful death in Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania’s wrongful death law, a beneficiary can recover damages for someone who died as a result of neglect, illegal violence, negligence, or other wrongful act.

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

Beneficiaries, such as the surviving spouse, children, dependents, or parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim.

What types of damages can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?  

Special damages – medical expenses, funeral expenses, and the decedent’s lost income for the family.

Can beneficiaries be awarded punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit?

If the death was caused by a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of the decedent, then punitive damages may be awarded. The conduct cannot be mere negligence or even gross negligence, but must be clearly outrageous misconduct.

What is a survivorship claim in Pennsylvania?

A survivorship claim is a civil suit brought by a representative of the decedent’s estate in addition to a wrongful death claim if the decedent did not die instantly.

What damages can be claimed under survivorship?

General damages – the pain and suffering and emotional distress suffered by the decedent before their death. Additionally, the money that the decedent would have spent on themselves over their lifetime can be claimed. Loss of services and losses to society can be admitted as evidence also.

How long do I have to sue for wrongful death in Pennsylvania?

A beneficiary has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Pennsylvania law. This law is also known as the statute of limitations. You may be barred from recovery if you do not file your claim within this period.

What are some examples of wrongful death?

Auto accidents and negligent drivers, construction accidents, defective products, murder, police misconduct, negligent homicide, birth accidents, aviation accidents, negligent security, boating accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.

Do you pay taxes on a wrongful death settlement?

No. Any money received in a wrongful death settlement is not subject to Pennsylvania state tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Moreover, wrongful death settlements are not subject to federal taxes or any claims from creditors.

As a surviving relative, you may feel like giving up or have self-doubts about whether or not you can recover anything when you’ve lost someone close to you from an injury that caused their death. While it’s true that not every death is grounds for a wrongful death claim, a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney will be able to review the circumstances of your case and determine if you have a viable claim.

Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe anything unless we recover damages for you. Call The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia now at 800-969-4400 to get started.

Hiring The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia as Your Wrongful Death Attorneys

When We Take on a Wrongful Death Case, We Expect to Win

We understand how difficult this time is for you, and we will do everything we can to help you through it. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a long history of success in representing clients who have lost loved ones due to the negligence and wrongdoing of others. When we take on a wrongful death case, we expect to win because we have the experience and resources to take on even the biggest insurance companies – and it’s not just about winning – we want you to have full and fair compensation for your losses under the wrongful death and survivorship laws of Pennsylvania.

Contact us today by calling 800-969-4400or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer from our downtown Philadelphia office. We’ll get to know you personally, review your case, and explain your legal options. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you get justice for your loved one.