Wrongful Death Auto Accidents

In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death lawsuit may initially be filed by the personal representative (also known as the executor) of the deceased’s estate. This person is usually named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists.

While the representative files the claim, the compensation recovered benefits specific family members: typically, the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If no eligible relatives exist, the damages may go to the estate.

At our firm, we assist families in understanding their rights and navigating any complexities related to estate law, probate, and claim filing. If no personal representative comes forward within six months of the death, any family beneficiary may initiate the claim directly. Our attorneys will ensure all legal procedures are properly followed to protect your family’s right to recover damages.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the person’s death. While this might seem like a long time, it’s critical to begin the process as early as possible.

Valuable evidence, such as accident scene details, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts- can become harder to obtain as time passes. Early legal intervention also ensures timely communication with police investigators, accident reconstructionists, insurance companies and preservation of claims against all responsible parties.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we move quickly and decisively on behalf of grieving families, so they never miss important deadlines or risk forfeiting their rights. Even if time has passed, we encourage you to call us to discuss your options. We’ll provide a free consultation and assess whether any exceptions might apply to extend the deadline.

Compensation in wrongful death auto accident claims can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages often cover funeral and burial expenses, medical costs related to the final injury, and the financial support the deceased would have provided (lost income, benefits, or retirement contributions).

Non-economic damages compensate for loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support, as well as the surviving family’s mental anguish. In some cases- particularly if the at-fault party’s actions were egregious- punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter such behavior.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we work with financial experts, forensic economists, and medical professionals to ensure no dollar is left on the table. We build strong, evidence-backed cases to present the full scope of loss to the court or insurers.

Proving fault in a wrongful death case requires detailed investigation and presentation of compelling evidence. This can include police reports, accident reconstruction analysis, eyewitness statements, toxicology results, phone records (to show distracted driving), and dashcam, police body cam, or other surveillance footage.

At our firm, we collaborate with accident reconstructionists, expert witnesses, and forensic analysts to demonstrate how and why the other party’s negligence caused the fatal crash. In Pennsylvania, even if your loved one was partially at fault, you may still recover compensation- provided their share of responsibility was less than 51%.

Our experienced attorneys know how to handle comparative negligence arguments and refute defense strategies designed to shift blame. We leave no stone unturned when fighting for your family’s justice.

Wrongful death claims are civil cases, while vehicular homicide or similar charges are criminal in nature. A criminal case is brought by the state and seeks punishment- such as jail time- for the wrongdoer.

A wrongful death lawsuit, on the other hand, is brought by the deceased’s family to seek financial compensation for their loss. These cases can run concurrently. In fact, even if the driver responsible is acquitted of criminal charges, the civil wrongful death case can still proceed- and succeed- because the burden of proof is lower in civil court.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we have prior experience as prosecutors where we represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in prosecuting criminal offenders and are therefore fully equipped to guide families and assist them through the criminal process. We monitor and often attend any related criminal proceedings in order to gather all potential evidence and statements for potential use and to strengthen your civil case. Our priority is securing the compensation you deserve, regardless of the outcome of any criminal trial.

Yes, Pennsylvania follows the legal doctrine of modified comparative negligence. This means that as long as your loved one was less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages- though your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

For instance, if the court finds your loved one was 20% at fault, your family could still recover 80% of the total damages awarded. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate the decedent’s level of fault to avoid paying full compensation. That’s why having a skilled wrongful death attorney is essential.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we build a case that highlights the full extent of the other party’s liability while defending your loved one’s name and rights.

Every case is unique, but wrongful death claims can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve, depending on factors such as the complexity of the accident, disputes over fault, and willingness of insurance companies to settle.

If a settlement can be reached quickly and fairly, the process may be relatively brief. However, when insurers deny responsibility or offer inadequate compensation, litigation may be necessary.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we prepare every case as though it’s going to trial. This aggressive preparation often encourages fair settlements early on. If your case does go to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, ensuring you’re informed and protected throughout the legal process.

Many wrongful death claims settle outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability, filing a lawsuit and going to court may become necessary.

Our firm always tries to reach a resolution that avoids the courtroom stress for grieving families- but we are never afraid to litigate. Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience and a strong track record of winning verdicts for clients in Lancaster and across Pennsylvania.

We’ll handle every aspect of the legal process, including discovery, pre-trial motions, mediation, and trial preparation. Whether in or out of court, we’re fully committed to getting your family justice.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we bring not only legal knowledge but also genuine compassion to every wrongful death case we handle. As a family-run law firm deeply rooted in the Lancaster community, we understand the devastation these tragedies cause. We treat every case as personal and every client like family.

With years of courtroom experience, an aggressive approach to insurance negotiations, and a relentless pursuit of justice, we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for grieving families. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees unless we recover for you.

Most importantly, we’re here for you- ready to meet evenings or weekends, answer your questions, and guide you through this painful time with care, transparency, and strength.