Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorneys

PA Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York

Losing a loved one is devastating—and when the loss stems from someone else’s carelessness, the grief comes with a deep sense of injustice. Families suddenly face funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of knowing the death was preventable. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we stand with families during these moments. Our Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys work to hold wrongdoers accountable and pursue the financial recovery your family needs while you focus on grieving and healing. In fact, for over 100 years families have relied on our wrongful death lawyers in Central Pennsylvania to understand the local courts and standards governing these complex claims.

Call (888) 498-3023 for a free case evaluation. Spanish-speaking services are available.

What Counts as Wrongful Death in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law allows a wrongful death lawsuit when a person dies due to the “wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence” of another party. These claims aim to compensate the surviving spouse, children, or parents for what they’ve lost—both financially and emotionally.

To succeed, families must show how negligence caused the death, which often requires medical records, witness statements, expert analysis, and a clear timeline of events. Our team handles this investigation for you, ensuring no detail is overlooked—an approach trusted by many who seek out experienced Central Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys for guidance.

If the deceased left no spouse, child, or parent, a personal representative may file the lawsuit, but recovery is limited to medical bills, funeral expenses, and administrative costs. Whoever files the claim must do so within two years of the date of death, making early action essential. The more time your legal team has, the stronger the case becomes.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action in PA

Many Pennsylvania cases involve two distinct claims arising from the same tragedy: a wrongful death action and a survival action. Understanding the difference helps families know what compensation may be available, and both statewide counsel and Central Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers often work together to present the full scope of losses.

Wrongful Death Action

This claim seeks to compensate surviving family members for their own losses. These may include the value of financial support the deceased would have provided, the loss of companionship or guidance, and funeral or burial expenses. A wrongful death action focuses on how the loss affects the spouse, children, or parents left behind.

Survival Action

A survival action is different: it recovers damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived. This includes the pain and suffering they experienced before passing, medical bills related to the fatal injury, and the value of their lost earning capacity. Survival actions are brought by the estate’s personal representative, and recovery flows into the estate rather than directly to individual family members.

Both actions can be filed together, giving families access to the full scope of compensation the law provides. Because these claims rely on medical records, financial projections, and expert testimony, strong legal guidance is crucial, which makes it even more vital to call Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers who know local evidentiary expectations.

What Compensation Is Available in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The damages available in a wrongful death case depend on who files the claim and the circumstances leading to the loss. When a surviving spouse, child, or parent brings the lawsuit, they may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the fatal injury
• Loss of financial support and household services
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and comfort
• Emotional suffering

These damages ease the financial strain and help secure your family’s future. They also serve a broader purpose: holding negligent parties accountable so similar tragedies are less likely to happen to another family. Many grieving families in the region seek support from experienced wrongful death lawyers in Central Pennsylvania to present these damages clearly and thoroughly.

When a personal representative files on behalf of the estate, Pennsylvania law limits recovery to the medical, funeral, and administrative costs caused by the death. Knowing which claim applies—and how to present it effectively—often requires a detailed legal assessment.

How Wrongful Death Claims Work in Central Pennsylvania

Once your family meets with an attorney, the process begins with an in-depth investigation. Our team reviews the circumstances of the death, consults with experts, and gathers evidence such as police reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction findings. This early groundwork builds the foundation of your claim.

Many cases resolve through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. When negotiations fail or accountability remains disputed, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate court, such as the Dauphin County or Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. Litigation may involve depositions, additional expert analysis, mediation, and, if necessary, a trial. Working with Central Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys familiar with these courts ensures families have strong support during every step.

Types of Cases We Handle for Families Across Pennsylvania

For more than a century, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has represented families throughout Pennsylvania after preventable tragedies. We know no verdict or settlement can replace a loved one, but legal action can protect your financial future and bring accountability to those responsible.

We routinely handle wrongful death cases involving:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• School bus accidents
• Truck accidents
• Work injuries

We also represent families in cases involving medical malpractice, defective products, and unsafe premises. Our experience with catastrophic injury litigation allows us to build strong cases no matter how the tragedy occurred. Families across the region frequently seek help from both statewide counsel and Central Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys to ensure every legal angle is fully explored.

Pennsylvania’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Although this may seem like plenty of time, investigations, expert reviews, and evidence gathering take work—especially when grieving interrupts daily life.

Acting sooner helps preserve crucial evidence, secure witness statements, and prevent missing the deadline altogether. Many families rely on Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers who are familiar with local courts, to keep the process on track while they focus on healing.

What to Do If You Suspect a Wrongful Death

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, a few early steps can make a meaningful difference:

• Preserve any records you have—medical documentation, accident reports, photographs, or correspondence.
• Speak with a wrongful death attorney in Pennsylvania who can evaluate the facts and protect your legal rights.
• Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve received legal advice.
• Clarify which family members are eligible to bring a claim under Pennsylvania law.

No family should have to investigate a tragedy alone. Working with both statewide advocates and trusted Central Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys can help ensure evidence is preserved and the right claims are filed within legal deadlines.

Pursue Justice with a Central Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney

From our offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York, our lawyers serve families across the state. We approach every case with compassion and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome—whether through negotiation or trial. Clients throughout the region routinely turn to seasoned Central Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers who know how to present compelling cases in local courts.

When you contact us, we’ll listen carefully to your story, explain your options, and outline the path forward. We operate on a no-fee guarantee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Call (888) 498-3023 or contact us online today. We’re available 24/7.

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death FAQ

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

The personal representative of the estate typically files the claim. If the representative does not act within six months, surviving spouses, children, or parents may file instead. Filing within the two-year deadline is essential.

What Is Required to Prove Negligence?

Families must show that the at-fault party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death. Medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements often play a key role.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Calculated?

Settlements reflect the deceased’s financial contributions, funeral and medical costs, the emotional and relational losses suffered by the family, and, in some cases, the decedent’s future earning potential. Economists and other experts may be involved in assessing these losses.

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable?

Most wrongful death recoveries are not taxable under federal law. However, punitive damages or interest may be taxable. A tax professional can give guidance specific to your situation.

What Should I Expect During a Consultation?

You’ll meet with an attorney to discuss what happened, review available documentation, and ask questions about the legal process. The conversation focuses on your priorities and what steps will help protect your family moving forward.