Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing a loved one is a stressful, life-altering event. If you feel that your loved one died because of someone else’s bad choices or negligence, the pain and anger can be overwhelming. At Sharma Law Office, we can help you navigate this confusing issue.
Wrongful death is a tragedy that requires justice. If you believe your loved one was a victim of wrongful death, we are here to assist. Keep reading to learn more about wrongful death and how it may apply to your family.
Types of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is often defined as a death that was caused by the negligence or poor choices of another. It can also include the criminal actions of another, such as drunk driving. Types of wrongful death can include medical malpractice, health facility negligence, commercial truck accidents, construction site accidents, and work-related accidents. In some cases, wrongful death can also be caused by faulty products or unsafe environments in places of business or rental properties.
Can I Sue?
Not every accidental death will be defined by the law as wrongful death. The only way to prove wrongful death and develop a lawsuit is to closely examine the details of the death. There is often a lot of information that will need to be looked at. That information will then need to be compared to the law to determine if there were in fact grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
What Families Should Know About Their Rights
When a loved one dies because of someone else’s carelessness, the emotional toll is just the beginning. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the law allows families to seek compensation when a death could have been prevented. These claims can help cover various losses—from medical expenses and funeral costs to lost income, emotional hardship, and the long-term impact on dependents.
If you’re dealing with this kind of loss, you may wonder how the legal process works or whether you’re even eligible to file a claim. Each state has its own rules about who can file, how compensation is calculated, and the deadlines that apply. Working with a wrongful death lawyer can help ensure your case is filed correctly and on time, and that no important details are overlooked.
Common Situations That Lead to Legal Action
Many wrongful death claims begin with fatal car crashes, particularly those involving commercial vehicles, impaired drivers, or excessive speed. These cases often involve insurance companies that are quick to protect their interests.
We also see cases tied to medical mistakes, such as misdiagnosis or surgical errors. When basic standards of care are ignored and it leads to a death, families have every right to pursue justice. Other claims stem from job site accidents, unsafe rental properties, or defective products that should never have made it into consumers’ hands.
In any of these situations, the central issue is whether someone failed to act with reasonable care—and whether that failure directly caused the loss of life.
Types of Compensation Families May Receive
A wrongful death claim can provide financial relief for tangible and intangible losses. These cases often cover expenses tied to the person’s passing and the long-term emotional and economic impact on the surviving family. While each case is different, here are some of the most common forms of compensation families may be entitled to:
- Medical bills related to the treatment of the injury or illness that led to the person’s death
- Funeral and burial costs, including transportation and service arrangements
- Lost income that the deceased would have earned over their remaining working years
- Loss of services and benefits, such as healthcare coverage or retirement contributions
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased, which may be addressed through a survival action
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially reckless or intentional conduct
The rules for filing and distributing these damages differ slightly between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, the estate typically files the claim; in New Jersey, the focus may be on dependent family members. A wrongful death lawyer can explain which categories apply in your case and ensure everything is documented properly.
How A Lawyer Can Help
When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to consider pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. This will require a lot of time and attention. This is why Sharma Law Office is here. We help families to navigate all of the confusing information surrounding wrongful death laws and help them to see how those laws may apply to the death of their loved ones.
You don’t have to do this alone. Please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can bring a wrongful death case in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, the personal representative of the estate files the claim. If that doesn’t happen within six months, a spouse, child, or parent may bring the claim to everyone eligible.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey give families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Some exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, so it’s best to get legal advice early on.
What’s the difference between a wrongful death and a survival claim?
A wrongful death claim covers the family’s losses, while a survival claim focuses on damages the deceased would have been entitled to, like pain and suffering before passing. In many cases, both types of claims are filed together.
Does the person responsible have to act intentionally?
No. Most claims are based on negligence, which means someone acted carelessly—even if it wasn’t on purpose.
Can multiple people or companies be held liable?
Yes. It’s common for more than one party to share responsibility. For example, in a trucking accident, the driver and the company could be legally accountable.