Who can file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, the decedent's personal representative (executor or administrator) brings the claim on behalf of the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If the personal representative does not file within six months, any beneficiary may file.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of death. Certain medical malpractice cases may have a discovery rule that extends this deadline — call us so we can analyze your specific case.

Can we file both a wrongful death and a survival action?

Yes — they are separate claims with separate damages. Wrongful death compensates the family for their losses; the survival action compensates the estate for what the decedent suffered between the injury and death. Most Pennsylvania cases plead both.

Is a settlement taxable?

Generally, wrongful death and personal injury settlements are not subject to federal income tax. Punitive damages and interest may be taxable. We always recommend coordinating with a tax professional on the final allocation.

What does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

Nothing up front. We handle Pennsylvania wrongful death cases on a contingency fee — our fee comes out of the recovery, and there is no fee if we do not recover for your family.

Local Representation

Northumberland County, PA Personal Injury Lawyer

Name: Quinlan Law Group
Address: 3425 Simpson Ferry Rd #100, Camp Hill, PA, 17011, US
Telephone: (717) 724-7503
Price range: Contingency Fee — No Fee Unless We Win

Victims of collisions on Route 11, PA-61, and I-80 face high risks from heavy commercial freight traffic and trucking accidents common near the Susquehanna River and local manufacturing corridors.

We represent clients in Sunbury, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Milton, and Watsontown, providing experienced representation for hearings at the Northumberland County Courthouse in the city of Sunbury.

Northumberland County Practice Areas

Northumberland County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle riders are not the cause of most motorcycle crashes — drivers who fail to look are. Pennsylvania motorcycle cases require an attorney who understands both the bike and the bias.
Northumberland County Truck Accident Lawyer
Crashes with tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and commercial vehicles cause some of the most catastrophic injuries on Pennsylvania roads. We handle these cases differently because they are different.
Northumberland County Wrongful Death Attorney
When negligence takes a life, Pennsylvania law gives surviving family members the right to recover for what was lost. We pursue these cases with the seriousness they deserve.

Statewide practice-area guides

Broader Pennsylvania guides on each type of case we handle in Northumberland County.

Free, confidential consultation

Talk directly with Sean Quinlan, Esq.. No fee unless we win.

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