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Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers in Altoona, PA
At Gieg & Jancula, we understand the profound grief and emotional turmoil that follows the unexpected loss of a loved one. Our dedicated team of Altoona wrongful death lawyers is here to provide compassionate support and expert legal guidance to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at 814-946-1606 for a free consultation and learn more about the next steps.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. This can result from various circumstances, such as medical malpractice, automobile accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and criminal activities. Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits filed by the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased to hold the responsible party accountable and recover damages.
Why Choose Gieg & Jancula?
With decades of experience representing clients throughout Pennsylvania, Gieg & Jancula is a trusted name in wrongful death litigation. Our law firm is committed to:
- Compassionate Legal Support: We recognize the emotional toll that wrongful death cases can take on families. Our team provides empathetic and personalized legal assistance, guiding you through every step of the process with care and sensitivity.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are dedicated to fighting tirelessly on behalf of our clients to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our skilled attorneys have a proven track record of success in wrongful death cases.
- Comprehensive Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to uncover the facts and build a strong case. Our team collaborates with expert witnesses, including medical professionals, accident deconstructionist, and financial analysts, to provide compelling evidence.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf. This ensures that you can pursue justice without financial burdens.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Our Altoona wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of wrongful death cases, including but not limited to:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal collisions caused by negligent drivers, drunk driving, distracted driving, or defective vehicles.
- Medical Malpractice: Death resulting from medical errors, misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or inadequate treatment.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatal workplace incidents due to unsafe conditions, lack of proper training, or equipment failures.
- Defective Products: Death caused by dangerous or defective consumer products, pharmaceuticals, or machinery.
- Premises Liability: Fatal accidents on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions or negligent security.
- Nursing Home Neglect: Death resulting from abuse, neglect, or inadequate care in nursing home facilities.
- Criminal Acts: Death caused by assault, homicide, or other criminal activities.
Understanding Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Laws
Navigating the legal complexities of wrongful death claims requires a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s specific laws and regulations.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. If no personal representative is appointed or if the personal representative does not file the claim within six months of the death, the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, or parents may file the claim.
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. It is essential to act promptly to ensure your claim is filed within this timeframe to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
In a successful wrongful death claim, the following types of compensation may be awarded:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased person’s expected earnings and benefits
- Loss of household services provided by the deceased
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance for surviving family members
- Emotional distress and mental anguish experienced by the family
Survival Action
In addition to a wrongful death claim, Pennsylvania law allows for a “survival action,” which seeks compensation for the pain and suffering and other damages the deceased person experienced between the time of the injury and their death. The survival action is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate and can be pursued alongside the wrongful death claim.
Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases
At Gieg & Jancula, we take a holistic and strategic approach to wrongful death cases to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome. Here is an overview of our process:
Initial Consultation
Our process begins with a free, no-obligation consultation where we listen to your story, understand your needs, and assess the merits of your case. This initial meeting allows us to gather essential information and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options.
Comprehensive Investigation
We conduct a thorough investigation to gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. We also work with expert witnesses to reconstruct the events leading to the wrongful death and establish liability.
Building a Strong Case
We meticulously prepare your case, compiling compelling evidence and crafting a persuasive legal strategy. Our team leverages its extensive experience and knowledge to anticipate potential challenges and counterarguments from the opposing party.
Negotiation and Settlement
Our goal is to secure a fair and just settlement for our clients without the need for prolonged litigation. We engage in skillful negotiation with the responsible party’s insurance company or legal representatives to achieve a favorable resolution. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial.
Trial Representation
Should your case proceed to trial, our experienced trial attorneys will provide robust representation, presenting your case with clarity and conviction. We are committed to advocating passionately on your behalf to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?
The duration of a wrongful death case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases may be resolved in a few months through settlement negotiations, while others may take several years if litigation is necessary.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Altoona, PA?
At Gieg & Jancula, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you only pay legal fees if we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about financial burdens.
What if the responsible party does not have insurance?
If the responsible party does not have insurance or sufficient assets to cover the damages, we will explore other avenues for compensation, such as identifying additional liable parties or pursuing claims against uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in applicable cases.
Can I pursue a wrongful death claim if my loved one contributed to the accident?
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still pursue a wrongful death claim even if your loved one was partially at fault. However, the compensation awarded may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased person.
Contact Our Altoona Wrongful Death Lawyers Now
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Our compassionate and experienced Altoona wrongful death lawyers at Gieg & Jancula are here to support you and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 814-946-1606 for a free consultation. Together, we can seek justice and honor the memory of your loved one.