Wrongful Death Work Accident

Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate – either the executor as name in the deceased’s will or the administrator as appointed by the court. If the personal representative does not file a claim within six months, then any person entitled by law – spouse, children or parents – may file the claim.

This legal action seeks compensation for the tangible and intangible losses suffered by surviving family members. That includes funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the final injury, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. If eligible family members fail to act within the statutory period, they risk losing the right to pursue a claim entirely.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we guide you through this emotionally difficult process with professionalism and empathy. We ensure that your claim is filed correctly and timely, and we manage every aspect of the case so you can focus on healing.

Yes, in many cases, you may be entitled to both workers’ compensation death benefits and a wrongful death or third-party lawsuit. While Pennsylvania workers’ compensation provides financial support for surviving dependents, it generally protects employers from being sued directly. However, if another party- such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver- is responsible for the fatal incident, a separate wrongful death claim may be filed against that entity.

These third-party claims can result in significantly higher compensation compared to standard workers’ comp benefits, including damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and punitive damages where applicable. Our experienced attorneys examine every angle to determine if such a third-party claim exists, and we aggressively pursue it on your behalf.

Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. brings decades of experience navigating both the workers’ compensation system and civil litigation, ensuring you don’t leave any compensation on the table.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. This means you must file your lawsuit within that timeframe, or you risk forfeiting your legal right to compensation.

However, this timeline can be complex in cases involving third parties or delayed awareness of negligence. That’s why we encourage grieving families to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Prompt action not only ensures compliance with legal deadlines but also helps preserve critical evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and workplace records.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we act quickly and thoroughly to investigate the fatal incident, notify responsible parties, and secure your legal claim. Time is of the essence, and we’re ready to step in the moment you need us.

In a wrongful death case, compensation is designed to address the emotional and financial impact of your loved one’s passing. Survivors may be eligible to recover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future income and benefits
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Pain and suffering (in certain survival actions)
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Pennsylvania separates wrongful death damages (for the family) from survival action damages (on behalf of the deceased’s estate). A survival action can include pain and suffering experienced by the victim before death, and lost earnings from the time of injury to death.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we ensure no stone is left unturned in identifying all recoverable damages. Our experience with complex workplace injury cases gives your claim the legal firepower it deserves.

While both types of claims stem from a workplace fatality, they serve different purposes:

• A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses due to the loved one’s death. This includes loss of financial support, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate and seeks damages the deceased could have recovered had they survived. These may include medical expenses, lost wages from the time of injury to death, and conscious pain and suffering.

In Pennsylvania, it’s common to file both types of claims simultaneously. This dual approach ensures that all possible damages are pursued- both those suffered by the family and those experienced by the deceased.

Our legal team at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino has a thorough command of these distinctions and applies them strategically to maximize compensation for our clients.

It’s not uncommon for employers or their insurers to shift blame onto the deceased to avoid liability or reduce compensation. However, workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system, meaning benefits are typically provided regardless of who caused the accident.

When it comes to wrongful death lawsuits- especially against third parties- fault can become a central issue. That’s why it’s critical to have an attorney who knows how to investigate workplace fatalities thoroughly and counter these defensive strategies.

We build your case using accident reports, OSHA findings, witness statements, surveillance footage, expert analysis, and more. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we are relentless in uncovering the truth and protecting the integrity of your loved one’s memory and your claim.

Yes. If your loved one died due to a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits under Pennsylvania law. These include:

• Weekly wage-loss benefits for dependent spouses and minor children
• Up to $3,000 in funeral and burial expenses
• Continued support depending on the number of dependents

While these benefits provide immediate relief, they are often insufficient to fully compensate for a family’s long-term financial and emotional loss. Additionally, workers’ comp does not allow for damages like pain and suffering.

Our attorneys help you file for these benefits while also evaluating whether a third-party wrongful death claim may provide additional compensation. We handle the paperwork, appeals, and legal hurdles so you don’t have to.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a workplace accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case:

1. Document everything – Keep records of communications, death certificates, and any documents from the employer or insurance companies.
2. Do not sign anything – Without legal advice, avoid signing any waivers, releases, or settlements.
3. Contact a wrongful death attorney – Prompt legal counsel ensures that your rights are protected from day one.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we know how to move quickly and respectfully. From preserving evidence to filing initial claims, our experienced team takes care of everything so you can focus on your family.

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in a wrongful death claim. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we bring:

• Decades of courtroom and negotiation experience
• A compassionate, client-first approach
• A strong record of successful verdicts and settlements
• Deep familiarity with Pennsylvania workers’ comp and injury law

We understand the emotional toll of your loss and make it our mission to secure justice while treating you with the dignity you deserve. You’ll never feel like just another case. We walk with you every step of the way- advocating fiercely and supporting compassionately.

Call us at 717-394-3004 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t pay a dime unless we win.