{"id":1912,"date":"2023-01-20T07:48:04","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T07:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/philadelphia\/?post_type=practice_areas&#038;p=1912"},"modified":"2026-03-23T16:21:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:21:16","slug":"philadelphia-wrongful-death-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"practice_areas","link":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/philadelphia\/practice-areas\/philadelphia-wrongful-death-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"<script>console.log('Rendering Oxygen Hero Block with title: Hero Banner Block');<\/script><script>console.log('Running WP Query for template with title: Hero Banner Block');<\/script><script>console.log('WP Query results: Array\\n(\\n    [0] =&gt; WP_Post Object\\n        (\\n            [ID] =&gt; 1160\\n            [post_author] =&gt; 5\\n            [post_date] =&gt; 2024-10-10 17:08:04\\n            [post_date_gmt] =&gt; 2024-10-10 17:08:04\\n            [post_content] =&gt; 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WP_Post Object\\n        (\\n            [ID] =&gt; 2039\\n            [post_author] =&gt; 5\\n            [post_date] =&gt; 2024-11-07 17:03:01\\n            [post_date_gmt] =&gt; 2024-11-07 17:03:01\\n            [post_content] =&gt; \\n            [post_title] =&gt; Practice Area Content Block\\n            [post_excerpt] =&gt; \\n            [post_status] =&gt; publish\\n            [comment_status] =&gt; closed\\n            [ping_status] =&gt; closed\\n            [post_password] =&gt; \\n            [post_name] =&gt; practice-area-content-block\\n            [to_ping] =&gt; \\n            [pinged] =&gt; \\n            [post_modified] =&gt; 2024-11-07 17:03:01\\n            [post_modified_gmt] =&gt; 2024-11-07 17:03:01\\n            [post_content_filtered] =&gt; \\n            [post_parent] =&gt; 0\\n            [guid] =&gt; https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/philadelphia\/?post_type=ct_template&#038;p=2039\\n            [menu_order] =&gt; 0\\n            [post_type] =&gt; ct_template\\n            [post_mime_type] =&gt; \\n            [comment_count] =&gt; 0\\n            [filter] =&gt; raw\\n        )\\n\\n)\\n');<\/script><script>console.log('Found template ID: 2039');<\/script><script>console.log('Shortcode exists, rendering Oxygen template with ID: 2039');<\/script><div id=\"div_block-33-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block \" ><section id=\"section-34-2039\" class=\" ct-section two--col--grid--section\" ><div class=\"ct-section-inner-wrap\"><div id=\"div_block-35-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block alt bg--grid\" ><div id=\"div_block-36-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block bg--placeholder\" ><\/div><div id=\"div_block-37-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block bg--grid--img--wrapper is--desktop\" ><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-42-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block two--col--content--grid\" ><div id=\"div_block-43-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block content--wrapper\" ><div id=\"text_block-54-2039\" class=\"ct-text-block practice--area__content\" ><span id=\"span-55-2039\" class=\"ct-span\" ><\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-73-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block practice--area--form--placeholder\" ><div id=\"div_block-412-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block contact-form-container sticky\" ><p id=\"text_block-413-2039\" class=\"ct-text-block practice--area--block--cta--heading\" >Get a free consultation<\/p><div id=\"text_block-414-2039\" class=\"ct-text-block\" ><span id=\"span-415-2039\" class=\"ct-span\" ><\/span><\/div><div id=\"code_block-416-2039\" class=\"ct-code-block\" >?\u001ab~\u0007?~'?v?h??(u\u7706?h?\u001a+??\u001dz\u0007?~'?v?h??(u<\/div><div id=\"div_block-471-2039\" class=\"ct-div-block\" ><div id=\"_dynamic_list-446-2039\" class=\"oxy-dynamic-list child--list\">                    \n                                            \n                                        \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n<script>console.log('Rendering Oxygen Hero Block with title: FAQ Block');<\/script><script>console.log('Running WP Query for template with title: FAQ Block');<\/script><script>console.log('WP Query results: Array\\n(\\n    [0] =&gt; WP_Post Object\\n        (\\n            [ID] =&gt; 2055\\n            [post_author] =&gt; 5\\n            [post_date] =&gt; 2024-11-13 15:47:34\\n            [post_date_gmt] =&gt; 2024-11-13 15:47:34\\n            [post_content] =&gt; \\n            [post_title] =&gt; FAQ Block\\n            [post_excerpt] =&gt; \\n            [post_status] =&gt; publish\\n            [comment_status] =&gt; closed\\n            [ping_status] =&gt; closed\\n            [post_password] =&gt; \\n            [post_name] =&gt; faq-block\\n            [to_ping] =&gt; \\n            [pinged] =&gt; \\n            [post_modified] =&gt; 2024-11-13 15:47:34\\n            [post_modified_gmt] =&gt; 2024-11-13 15:47:34\\n            [post_content_filtered] =&gt; \\n            [post_parent] =&gt; 0\\n            [guid] =&gt; https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/philadelphia\/?post_type=ct_template&#038;p=2055\\n            [menu_order] =&gt; 0\\n            [post_type] =&gt; ct_template\\n            [post_mime_type] =&gt; \\n            [comment_count] =&gt; 0\\n            [filter] =&gt; raw\\n        )\\n\\n)\\n');<\/script><script>console.log('Found template ID: 2055');<\/script><script>console.log('Shortcode exists, rendering Oxygen template with ID: 2055');<\/script><section id=\"section-2-2055\" class=\" ct-section faq--block--section\" ><div class=\"ct-section-inner-wrap\"><div id=\"div_block-3-2055\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--block--grid\" ><div id=\"div_block-4-2055\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--block--title--wrapper\" ><h2 id=\"headline-5-2055\" class=\"ct-headline faq--block--title\"><span id=\"span-22-2055\" class=\"ct-span\" >Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer<\/span> Questions &amp; Answers<br><\/h2><\/div><div id=\"_dynamic_list-24-2055\" class=\"oxy-dynamic-list faq--repeater\"><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-1\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-1\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-1\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-1\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Is Wrongful Death In Pennsylvania?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-1\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-1\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.state.pa.us\/cfdocs\/legis\/LI\/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&amp;ttl=42&amp;div=0&amp;chpt=83&amp;sctn=1&amp;subsctn=0\"><span class=\"s1\">Pennsylvania&rsquo;s wrongful death law<\/span><\/a>, a beneficiary can recover damages for someone who died as a result of neglect, illegal violence, negligence, or other wrongful act.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-2\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-2\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-2\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-2\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-2\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-2\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">Beneficiaries, such as the surviving spouse, children, dependents, or parents of the deceased, can file a wrongful death claim.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-3\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-3\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-3\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-3\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Types Of Damages Can Be Recovered In A Wrongful Death Claim? &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-3\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-3\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In a wrongful death claim, recoverable damages often include special damages, such as medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, funeral and burial costs, and the income and financial support the decedent would have provided to their family. These damages are intended to help surviving family members manage the financial impact of their loss while the case is being resolved.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-4\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-4\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-4\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-4\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">Can Beneficiaries Be Awarded Punitive Damages In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-4\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-4\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">If the death was caused by a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of the decedent, then punitive damages may be awarded. The conduct cannot be mere negligence or even gross negligence, but must be clearly outrageous misconduct.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-5\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-5\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-5\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-5\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Is A Survivorship Claim In Pennsylvania?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-5\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-5\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.state.pa.us\/cfdocs\/legis\/LI\/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&amp;ttl=42&amp;div=0&amp;chpt=83&amp;sctn=2&amp;subsctn=0\"><span class=\"s1\">survivorship claim<\/span><\/a> is a civil suit brought by a representative of the decedent&rsquo;s estate in addition to a wrongful death claim if the decedent did not die instantly.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-6\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-6\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-6\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-6\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Damages Can Be Claimed Under Survivorship?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-6\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-6\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">General damages &ndash; the pain and suffering and emotional distress suffered by the decedent before their death. Additionally, the money that the decedent would have spent on themselves over their lifetime can be claimed. Loss of services and losses to society can also be admitted as evidence.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-7\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-7\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-7\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-7\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Is the Wrongful Death Statute in PA?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-7\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-7\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">In Pennsylvania, the law that gives families the right to seek justice after a loved one's death is formally known as the Wrongful Death Act, outlined in state law under <b>42 Pa.C.S.A. &sect; 8301<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The core purpose of this statute is to allow a lawsuit to be filed when a person's death was caused by the wrongful or negligent act of another party.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">A key part of this law is that a wrongful death claim can be brought forward only if the person who passed away had not already successfully settled or won a personal injury lawsuit for the same injuries before their death. If your loved one did file a lawsuit before they passed away but it wasn't finished, that case is typically merged with the wrongful death claim to create a single, unified action and prevent a \"double recovery\" for the same harm.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-8\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-8\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-8\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-8\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">How Long Do I Have To Sue For Wrongful Death In Pennsylvania?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-8\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-8\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">A beneficiary has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.state.pa.us\/WU01\/LI\/LI\/CT\/HTM\/42\/00.055.024.000..HTM\"><span class=\"s1\">Pennsylvania law<\/span><\/a>. This law is also known as the statute of limitations. You may be barred from recovery if you do not file your claim within this period.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-9\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-9\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-9\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-9\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">What Are Some Examples Of Wrongful Death?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-9\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-9\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">Auto accidents and negligent drivers, <a href=\"\/wrongful-death-in-construction-accidents\/\"><span class=\"s1\">construction accidents<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"\/weed-killer-cancer-lawsuit\/\"><span class=\"s1\">defective products<\/span><\/a>, murder, <a href=\"\/the-importance-of-police-misconduct-lawsuits\/\"><span class=\"s1\">police misconduct<\/span><\/a>, negligent homicide, <a href=\"\/philadelphia-birth-injury-lawyer\/\"><span class=\"s1\">birth accidents<\/span><\/a>, aviation accidents, negligent security, boating accidents, <a href=\"\/philadelphia-motorcycle-accident-lawyer\/\"><span class=\"s1\">motorcycle accidents<\/span><\/a>, and truck accidents.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><div id=\"div_block-25-2055-10\" class=\"ct-div-block faq--toggle--wrapper\" data-id=\"div_block-25-2055\"><div id=\"_toggle-27-2055-10\" class=\"oxy-toggle toggle-1229 toggle-1229-expanded\" data-oxy-toggle-initial-state=\"closed\" data-oxy-toggle-active-class=\"toggle-1229-expanded\" data-id=\"_toggle-27-2055\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-expand-collapse-icon\" href=\"#\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"oxy-toggle-content\">\n                <h1 id=\"headline-28-2055-10\" class=\"ct-headline faq--toggle--head\" data-id=\"headline-28-2055\"><span id=\"span-32-2055-10\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-32-2055\">Do You Pay Taxes On A Wrongful Death Settlement?<\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text_block-30-2055-10\" class=\"ct-text-block faq--toggle-answer\" data-id=\"text_block-30-2055\"><span id=\"span-34-2055-10\" class=\"ct-span\" data-id=\"span-34-2055\"><p class=\"p1\">No. Any money received in a wrongful death settlement is not subject to Pennsylvania state tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Moreover, wrongful death settlements are not subject to federal taxes or any claims from creditors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">As a surviving relative, you may feel like giving up or have self-doubts about whether or not you can recover anything when you&rsquo;ve lost someone close to you from an injury that caused their death. While it&rsquo;s true that not every death is grounds for a wrongful death claim, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/philadelphia\/about-us\/\"><span class=\"s1\">Philadelphia wrongful death attorney<\/span><\/a> will be able to review the circumstances of your case and determine if you have a viable claim.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Your consultation is free, and you won&rsquo;t owe anything unless we recover damages for you. Call The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia now at 800-969-4400 to get started.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":396,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_seopress_titles_title":"Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer | No Fees Unless You Win","_seopress_titles_desc":"Lost a loved one in Philadelphia? Our wrongful death lawyers secured a $227M verdict for victims. We fight for justice & full compensation. 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