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Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death actions arise under many different circumstances, including:

  • Auto, Truck, and Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Auto Defects/Crashworthiness Claims
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Nursing Home Negligence
  • Construction and Workplace Accidents
  • Premises Liability
  • Defective Products
  • Unsafe Drugs and Medical Devices

Proven Results by Our Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorneys

Since our firm’s founding in 1987, Feldman Shepherd has established a reputation as a premier wrongful death law firm with notable results, including:

  • Nearly $100 million recovered on behalf of four families whose children were fatally injured by tip-overs of unstable IKEA MALM dressers, including a $46 million recovery that is believed to be the largest child wrongful death recovery in American history.
  • $36.5 million settlement for a family who lost a mother and a daughter when a propane cylinder exploded.
  • $30 million settlement for the family of a young man killed by an out-of-control tractor-trailer.
  • $26.5 million settlement in a Philadelphia tractor-trailer accident case in which one automobile passenger was killed instantly and another passenger sustained a traumatic brain injury.
  • $25.1 million recovery—including a $19.1 million jury verdict—on behalf of three victims of a tractor-trailer accident involving multiple vehicles in a dangerous construction zone.
  • Over $25 million recovered to date for the victims of a trucking accident, with the case still heading to trial against the remaining defendants. 
  • $18.3 million settlement against the manufacturer of a portable electric heater that caused a fire in a Philadelphia rowhouse, which resulted in two fatalities and catastrophic injuries to an infant.
  • $14 million settlement for the family of a man who died after his car burst into flames after being struck from behind by a tractor-trailer at a toll booth.
  • $13.5 million settlement for the family of an 18-month-old girl who suffocated and died when her head and neck became entrapped in a cutout (designed as an alternative to a drawer handle) in the bottom drawer of an IKEA STUVA wardrobe that was designed specifically for children’s bedrooms.
  • $12 million settlement for the family of a 48-year-old woman who was killed instantly when an inexperienced tractor-trailer driver left his lane of travel, crossed a grassy median, and violently crashed into her vehicle, which was traveling on the opposite side of the highway.
  • $8 million and $7.25 million settlements for the families of two infants who died in separate incidents in Infantino SlingRider baby slings, which were dangerous by design and posed a risk for suffocation and asphyxiation.
  • $6.1 million settlement for the family of an 80-year-old man who died in an apartment fire caused by a gas explosion.
  • $4.5 million settlement for the family of a mother and her three children who were killed while crossing Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia.
  • Confidential multimillion-dollar settlements for on-the-job deaths of Philadelphia firefighters.

Our Commitment to Your Family

The attorneys at Feldman Shepherd handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, and we understand that this is a devastating time for your family marked by intense grief and uncertainty. Our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers and support staff are here to help you fully recover all compensation to which you are entitled, which may include payments for medical and funeral expenses, lost income and future earnings, emotional trauma, and loss of your loved one’s companionship. 

We will keep you fully informed as to the status of your case and explain to you what to expect at every juncture. Even after your case is resolved, we’ll be there to help you with financial planning. While every wrongful death case is unique and complex, you can always count on our hard work, attention to detail, creative lawyering, and compassionate (yet resolute) advocacy to help you achieve the results your family needs and deserves.

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Frequently Asked Questions Wrongful Death

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?

Typically, the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents can pursue action under Pennsylvania law. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can bring a claim in some instances. If there is no will, the court may appoint an administrator. Our attorney will help determine who should file and how to move the process forward.

What kinds of damages can be recovered?

You can recover both economic and non-economic damages. That includes funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. A Feldman Shepherd lawyer will work with you to build a case that reflects the true scope of your loss.

Can a wrongful death claim be filed if the deceased did not die immediately after the accident?

Yes. If your loved one later died from injuries caused by another’s negligence, a wrongful death action may still apply. The timing of death doesn’t erase responsibility.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. However, certain factors—such as delayed discovery of negligence—can affect this timeline. It’s critical to contact a Philadelphia wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your family’s right to recovery.

What’s the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses, such as financial support, companionship, and emotional distress. A survival action, on the other hand, seeks damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived—like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering before death. Feldman Shepherd can pursue both claims together to maximize your family’s recovery.

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Are you ready to talk about your legal options? Schedule a free consultation today. We’re here to listen and help you fight for the justice you deserve.

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