Harrisburg Wrongful Death Lawyers 

Helping Grieving Families Get Justice & Move Forward

Death is always tragic and painful—but wrongful death is more than that. Wrongful death feels like theft, like someone who should have had more time was unfairly taken from us. Wrongful death occurs because someone else failed to do their duty and keep others safe. It's called "wrongful" because it's wrong. When someone causes the death of another person—whether as a result of drunk driving, poor manufacturing, distraction, a lack of safety equipment, or anything else—they need to be held accountable. 

Our Harrisburg wrongful death lawyers fight to give families closure by facing their wrongdoers and making them answer for what they did. We help our clients face the future with peace and confidence. We have advocated for families in Pennsylvania since 1922, and we're ready to see how we can assist you.

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

Why Families Need to File Wrongful Death Claims

There are two reasons to make wrongful death claims against wrongdoers.

The first is personal.

When a loved one dies, there's a tangible and costly consequence for their families. Children, spouses, and parents who experience the death of a loved one face long-term effects on their happiness, their mental health, and their overall well-being. The loss of companionship is incalculably valuable, and the loss of it is life-altering. 

The damage is also financial. Many people who die at work provide at least 50-100% of the household income. Their death means a complete loss of emotional and economic stability for the family. How can someone focus on grieving when they're too focused on making the rent or paying the mortgage?

The second reason is principled.

Wrongful death, by its very nature, is preventable. Someone could have stopped it—maybe by putting their phone away or installing safer guardrails or maintaining factory equipment regularly—but they didn't, and then someone died. Some companies believe it's cheaper to fight a lawsuit than fix a problem, so that's what they do. But when people file more wrongful death suits, companies have to recalculate. The larger the verdicts or settlements, the more these companies have to change their policies to prevent further deaths. In other words, suing is the only way to force them to change their ways and prevent future losses.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit also serves as a public notice. It highlights the liable party's negligence and, in some cases, the vital need for policy changes. By holding wrongdoers accountable, families not only seek justice and compensation but also help in fostering safer communities.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Harrisburg, PA

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to seek legal recourse.

The right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is typically reserved for the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This is often a close family member, such as a spouse, child, or parent. If the personal representative does not file the claim within six months of the death, however, other eligible family members may be allowed to file the lawsuit on behalf of the estate.

Our Harrisburg wrongful death firm helps families who have lost loved ones due to:

If you lost someone you love and are unsure of your rights and options at this point, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is standing by to help. We can talk to you about what happened and how to proceed. When we take your case, we handle everything so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one's memory. 

Determining Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

One of the biggest questions after a wrongful death is liability. Who should be held accountable for the loss? Depending on the circumstances, different parties can be held legally responsible:

Individuals 
In many cases, another person's negligent or intentional actions are the primary cause of death. For example, distracted or drunk drivers in motor vehicle accidents, assailants in violent crimes, or healthcare providers in cases of medical malpractice can be held liable for causing another's death.

Companies 
Businesses can be held responsible for wrongful deaths resulting from unsafe work environments, negligent hiring practices, or failures to maintain safe premises. This can include construction companies, manufacturers, and employers who do not adhere to safety regulations.

When a company is found liable, it often prompts a review and overhaul of safety procedures, which can lead to a safer working environment for all. Companies may face substantial financial penalties, encouraging them to prioritize employee and consumer safety to prevent future incidents.

Property Owners 
If a person dies because of an unsafe condition on another's property, the property owner or manager could be held liable. Examples include inadequate security that leads to a deadly attack, a defective stairway that leads to a fatal fall, or an unfenced swimming pool that leads to a drowning accident.

Property owners are required by law to make sure their premises are safe for visitors. This includes taking appropriate steps to remove or clearly mark hazards, maintain the property, and warn of potential dangers. If a property owner fails to take these steps, and someone gets hurt or dies as a result, the property owner can be held legally responsible. 

Manufacturers 
Product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for wrongful deaths caused by defective or dangerous products. This includes automotive parts, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products that have design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings or instructions for use.

Government Entities 
In some cases, government agencies or public entities can be held liable for wrongful deaths resulting from negligence, such as poor road maintenance leading to fatal accidents, or failures in public safety measures. Claims against government entities have different filing rules and regulations, so it's important that you work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate this process. 

Types of Wrongful Death Damages & Compensation

In a Harrisburg wrongful death lawsuit, the types of compensation that may be pursued can be broadly categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate for financial losses resulting from the death, while non-economic damages address more subjective, non-monetary losses. Both are crucial for families who are struggling with the loss of a loved one.

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 surviving family members
• Emotional distress of surviving family members

Punitive damages, which are intended to punish particularly egregious behavior, may also be pursued in wrongful death cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. In Pennsylvania, there are no caps on economic or non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, meaning that the compensation awarded is intended to fully cover the financial and emotional impact of the loss. 

Understanding the full scope of damages available and ensuring that all potential compensation avenues are explored is essential for achieving justice and financial stability for the surviving family members. Our Harrisburg wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through this complex process and advocating for the maximum compensation your family deserves.

Navigating Wrongful Death Claims in Harrisburg

As the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg is home to tens of thousands of people, thousands of businesses, and hosts millions of visitors each year. With the sheer number of people navigating our city each day, it's no surprise that Harrisburg is also home to countless accidents, many of them fatal. Given the city's busy roads, like I-83 and I-81, as well as its numerous industrial activities along the Susquehanna River, traffic accidents and fatal workplace incidents are, unfortunately, among the most common grounds for wrongful death claims in this area. 

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our Harrisburg wrongful death attorneys are well-versed not only in state laws but also in local policies that can affect wrongful death claims. We are not just a law firm; we are your neighbors, Harrisburg locals who truly care about this city and its residents. When people are wrongfully killed as a result of individual negligence, unmet safety standards, or ignored regulations, it affects us all. That's why we make it our mission to serve as tireless advocates for grieving families and our larger community. 

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Harrisburg Today

Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has helped clients win tens of millions of dollars. For many of them, their results meant they could keep their homes, put food on the table, and recover from their grief without financial stress. Our firm has been fighting for 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.

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, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is typically two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline usually results in losing the right to file a claim, though there are rare exceptions where the timeline might be adjusted. If you think you may have a wrongful death case, we urge you to consult our firm promptly to discuss your options.

How Are Wrongful Death Damages Calculated?

Calculating wrongful death damages involves assessing both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include quantifiable losses, like funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of future income. Non-economic damages account for more abstract losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. Because these non-economic damages are subjective, calculating their full worth can be challenging without the help of a skilled wrongful death lawyer. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we work alongside loss valuation professionals and other experts to obtain a clear picture of the full scope of our clients' damages. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Harrisburg?

Typically, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate. This person is often named in the deceased's will or appointed by the court. If the personal representative does not act within six months of the death, other eligible family members, such as spouses, children, or parents may file the claim. If the deceased passed away without a will or without a named representative, the court will appoint one. 

Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Help Prevent Future Accidents?

Wrongful death claims serve a dual purpose: they provide necessary compensation for grieving families while exerting pressure on liable parties to adhere to safety standards. Successfully holding negligent parties accountable often results in more stringent policies and safety measures being implemented, creating a safer environment for everyone. A successful claim can highlight the importance of professional responsibility and personal accountability. By taking these actions, grieving families can help contribute to a safer world for all.