Harrisburg Wrongful Death Lawyers 

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Harrisburg Get Justice for Grieving Families

Death is always tragic and painful—but wrongful death is different. In these cases, someone who should have had more time was unfairly taken from us because another person failed to uphold their duty to keep others safe. It's called wrongful because it can and should have been prevented. When someone causes the death of another—whether through drunk driving, improper manufacturing, distraction, lack of safety protocols, or another preventable factor—they must be held accountable. 

Our wrongful death attorneys in Harrisburg help families achieve a sense of closure by making the responsible parties answer for their actions. We support our clients so they face the future with peace and confidence. Since 1922, we have advocated for families across Pennsylvania, and we are ready to learn how we can support you during this time.

We serve the greater Harrisburg area, with our office conveniently located near Riverfront Park to welcome clients from throughout Dauphin County. Our familiarity with the local court system, including experience with the Dauphin County Courthouse, helps us navigate complex cases efficiently for our clients.

Speak with us in a free consultation—call (717) 775-7514 or contact us online to review your legal options with our wrongful death lawyers in Harrisburg. 

Why Families Need to File Wrongful Death Claims

There are two key reasons to make wrongful death claims against those responsible.

The first is personal.

The loss of a loved one carries real, lasting consequences. Survivors—spouses, children, and parents—may spend years coping with the emotional and mental costs. When someone who helps support the household dies, the loss can threaten a family's financial stability and create overwhelming uncertainty. Loss of companionship, daily support, and guidance forever changes the trajectory of a family's life. 

Many people who lose a family member in a fatal accident face a sudden drop in income. When the deceased provided 50% or more of a household’s earnings, families must juggle grief with urgent practical needs like rent or mortgage payments.

The second reason is principled.

Wrongful death is preventable. Fatal accidents result from individuals or companies ignoring safe practices—by failing to maintain their vehicle, using a phone while driving, or neglecting regular equipment checks. Many companies weigh the cost of a lawsuit against the cost of better safety measures. When families pursue wrongful death lawsuits, settlements, and verdicts force companies to make meaningful changes, which makes it less likely that other families will suffer the same loss. Legal action compels companies and individuals to improve their behavior.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit gives public notice of unsafe conditions or negligent actions. When courts hold wrongdoers accountable, they send a message that prevents future harm and supports safer communities.

Pursuing a case can also bring greater visibility to persistent dangers faced by our communities. Fatal accidents on routes like I-81 or I-83 often prompt discussions among local leaders and residents to drive policy improvements and safer streets in Harrisburg and beyond.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania law gives most families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this statute of limitations can permanently block your right to seek damages, so timing is crucial.

Typically, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate brings the claim. This may be a spouse, child, or parent—but if a representative fails to act within six months, other eligible family members may have the right to file on behalf of the estate. Courts guide families through these details and ensure the right party can proceed, even when the decedent did not have a will.

Our wrongful death attorneys in Harrisburg help families who have lost loved ones due to:

Our region’s mix of major employers and busy roads often results in complex fatal accident cases, many of which involve multiple drivers, business owners, or insurers. Whether the incident relates to a commercial trucking company or a site along one of Harrisburg’s main thoroughfares, our team guides families through the local issues that can affect claims, compensation, and timing under Dauphin County procedures.

If you lost someone you love and are unsure of your rights and options, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is available to support you. We can discuss what happened and how to move forward. When we work with you, we handle every detail so your family can focus on honoring your loved one’s memory. 

What to Expect During the Wrongful Death Claim Process

The wrongful death claim process in Harrisburg moves through distinct stages. First, we notify the court while collecting critical information. Our team, which includes a dedicated full-time investigator, gathers important records, accident reports, and documentation from local agencies and hospitals. We work with families to ensure we have every relevant detail, including witness interviews and evidence from the scene.

During the process, families work with insurance representatives, communicate with all involved parties, and, when necessary, prepare for court appearances in venues like the Dauphin County Courthouse. Claims may be resolved through settlement talks, mediation, or court proceedings. Pennsylvania law enforces key deadlines, so addressing each phase quickly helps protect your claim. With over 100 years serving local families, we are well-versed in local court procedures and provide tailored guidance throughout the process.

We keep communication open, so our clients always know what comes next. Our approach reflects a deep commitment to supporting families through every challenge and transition during the claim process.

Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Attorney in Harrisburg

Choosing an attorney for a wrongful death case in Harrisburg means finding a team with in-depth local knowledge and years of positive outcomes. Look for a firm with a strong record in Dauphin County, consistent communication with area agencies, and hands-on experience gathering evidence for cases involving local roads and worksites.

Choose firms that offer free consultations and do not require upfront fees. These signs show a commitment to client focus and transparency. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg demonstrates these qualities, as well as a 100-year legacy and recognition in Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and more. We explain every option clearly in plain language so your family knows the path forward. Our multiple Central PA offices let us serve clients at their convenience, underscoring our accessibility and regional reach.

When deciding on representation, focus on firms with a proven commitment to families in the Harrisburg community. Local knowledge, integrity, and a record of favorable results should guide this important decision.

Determining Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

Determining liability in wrongful death matters is a crucial step. Multiple parties can be held accountable based on the facts of each case:

Individuals 
Often, the immediate cause of a fatal accident is a person’s negligent or reckless act. Drunk or distracted drivers, violent offenders, or medical professionals who violate safety standards may bear responsibility for a wrongful death.

Companies 
Beyond the immediate cause, fatal accidents often have underlying factors that made the incident possible. These underlying factors are caused most often by businesses. Businesses can bear liability when employees die on the job or when unsafe hiring or failure to enforce safety procedures leads to tragedy. Construction firms, product manufacturers, and employers who break safety rules can be named in a case.

When a business is held liable for a fatal accident, it usually faces financial penalties and must update its safety practices. These changes help prevent future incidents and protect both workers and the public.

Property Owners 
If unsafe property conditions contributed to a death, the owner or manager bears responsibility. This includes deadly falls, an attack due to poor security, or an unfenced pool where a child drowned.

Property owners must maintain safe premises for guests, fix and mark hazards, and keep buildings in good repair. If they fail, and a fatal accident occurs, families can hold them to account. 

Manufacturers 
Manufacturers may face liability if defective car parts, unsafe medicines, or dangerous products cause a wrongful death. This includes items with design errors, manufacturing defects, or missing safety instructions.

Government Entities 
Sometimes, government agencies or public bodies are responsible for fatal accidents, such as when poor road maintenance or failed safety measures lead to tragedy. Special rules and deadlines apply if a public entity is involved, so it’s crucial to have a wrongful death attorney familiar with local Harrisburg and Pennsylvania law. 

Assigning liability in Harrisburg can mean investigating local ordinances, reviewing city records, or considering the layout of the accident location. For example, if an intersection with a history of serious collisions is involved, knowing which agency handles maintenance may affect who bears legal responsibility.

Types of Wrongful Death Damages & Compensation

If you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Harrisburg, your claim may include compensation for financial and intangible losses. Economic damages cover practical needs, while non-economic damages reflect the emotional costs of loss.

Economic Damages:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred prior to death
• Loss of the deceased's future earnings and benefits
• Loss of household services and contributions

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance for family members
• Emotional distress for surviving relatives

Punitive damages, which are intended to penalize extremely reckless or intentional wrongdoing, may also be possible in some cases. Pennsylvania law does not cap these damages, aiming to fully address the impact on families.

In Harrisburg, any recovery from a wrongful death or survival action is distributed according to Pennsylvania intestacy rules or as the will directs. Settlements may impact taxes, so families benefit from clear advice about their household finances. Accurate records—pay stubs, medical documentation from local hospitals such as UPMC Harrisburg, or receipts for funeral services—help support your damages claim in court.

To secure fair compensation, families need to explore all options and gather thorough evidence. Our wrongful death attorneys in Harrisburg carefully guide you through these decisions to help achieve justice for your loved one.

Navigating Wrongful Death Claims in Harrisburg

Harrisburg is home to thousands of families, businesses, and millions of visitors annually. Given the high volume of traffic on I-83 and I-81 and the heavy industry along the Susquehanna River, fatal accidents and workplace deaths in this area remain a tragic reality. Many local wrongful death cases arise from these hazards. 

Several local factors can affect wrongful death cases. For example, Harrisburg’s winter weather can create dangerous driving conditions, while new city ordinances may impact legal responsibilities. Knowing which agency investigated or which hospital treated the accident victim often shapes the timing and direction of a claim. Every small detail can matter for the families we serve in Harrisburg.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our wrongful death lawyers in Harrisburg have an in-depth understanding of both Pennsylvania statutes and community standards. As longtime advocates for local families, we take pride in our tireless service to those grieving preventable losses in our area. 

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Harrisburg Today

Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. For many families, these outcomes help them keep their homes, provide for loved ones, and rebuild without added financial strain. Our firm has stood side by side with Harrisburg families for generations. We're as much a part of this city as City Hall or the State Capitol—we can be part of your story too.

We provide support at each step, from obtaining local records to guiding clients through proceedings in Dauphin County. Our attorneys will meet with your family wherever is most convenient—at your home, in the hospital, or at our central Harrisburg office. The community's trust year after year speaks to our commitment and care for those we serve.

If no one has answered for your loved one's death, schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death attorneys in Harrisburg. Call (717) 775-7514. We're here to help.

Harrisburg Wrongful Death FAQ

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you usually have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation, though rare exceptions may exist. We recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible to review your options.

How Are Wrongful Death Damages Calculated?

Courts consider both economic and non-economic factors when determining wrongful death damages. Economic losses include medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income, while non-economic losses involve pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. These figures can be complex, so having guidance during the process is helpful. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we partner with valuation professionals to help our clients understand the full extent of damages. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Harrisburg?

Generally, the person named as the deceased’s personal representative files the wrongful death claim—often the spouse, parent, or child. If this person does not act within six months, other family members may file. When there’s no will or no representative, the court appoints someone to act on behalf of the estate. 

Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Help Prevent Future Accidents?

Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for families and promote public safety by holding negligent parties accountable. When families pursue these cases, the outcomes can drive more rigorous safety precautions, making the community safer for everyone. This process encourages responsibility among individuals and businesses across Pennsylvania.