Cranberry Township Wrongful Death Lawyer

Money cannot replace a loved one who dies because of someone else’s negligence. Munley Law recognizes that a personal injury case can help bring closure and a sense of justice for surviving family members. Our Cranberry Township wrongful death lawyers help you seek compensation to cover unexpected medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages.

Munley Law has helped Pennsylvania families recover millions in wrongful death settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling cases involving car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and commercial truck crashes throughout Butler County.

Our lawyers will support you throughout this difficult time. Call Munley Law or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Wrongful Death in Cranberry Township, PA

Wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of someone else’s negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional action. Unlike personal injury cases, a lawsuit it brought by the victim’s representative. Pennsylvania law strictly controls who can file wrongful death claims and recover compensation.

A personal representative for your loved one’s estate is usually named in the will or appointed by the court. They have two years from the date of the death to file a claim on behalf of surviving family. Compensation is disbursed in a specific order.

The surviving spouse and children are the primary recipients of compensation. The spouse receives the first $30,000 plus one-third to one-half of the remaining amount, depending on the number of children. The children split the rest equally.

If there is no spouse or children, the parents of the deceased person receive the compensation, even if the parents were not financially dependent on their child.

If no spouse, children, or parents survive, then the siblings, grandparents, or other relatives may receive compensation depending on their relationship and dependency on the deceased person.

You deserve compensation after a loved one’s passing. Munley Law will work tirelessly on your behalf. Call our Cranberry Township law office today to schedule your free case review.

Types of Wrongful Death Suits

After a loved one’s passing in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to file two types of cases.

A wrongful death suit recovers compensation for losses, including lost financial support and companionship.

A survival action accounts for damages the deceased person could have claimed in a personal injury case, including pain and suffering and lost earning capacity.

Common Causes of Cranberry Twp. Wrongful Death Cases

Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in Cranberry Township, particularly on busy routes like I-79 and Route 19. Butler County reported 25 traffic fatalities in 2023. Increasing commercial traffic in Butler County has led to a rise in truck crashes as well, with the commonwealth reporting 138 fatalities in 2023. Distracted driving, violation of trucking regulations, and improper maintenance contribute to many vehicle accidents each year.

Industrial accidents are another common cause, especially at facilities in Cranberry Woods Business Park and RIDC Park. Workers may be exposed to dangerous conditions, defective equipment, or inadequate safety protocols. Pennsylvania reported 169 fatal workplace accidents in 2023.

Medical errors at local healthcare facilities can also lead to wrongful deaths. Missed diagnoses, surgical mistakes, medication errors, and failure to properly monitor patients can be fatal.

Munley Law investigates the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death in the Pittsburgh metro area and demands the fair compensation your family deserves. Schedule your free case review with our Cranberry Township and Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys today.

Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

Pennsylvania families can seek several types of compensation in wrongful death cases. Economic damages cover concrete financial losses like medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages. Families are also entitled to payment for lost future income and benefits their loved one would have provided, including health insurance and retirement.

Non-economic damages provides compensation for loss of guidance, companionship, and support. If your loved one provided childcare, household maintenance, or other services, your lawyer will include those in the case value.

In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award additional punitive damages.

Munley Law is experienced in calculating full and fair values that account for current and future losses. Call us today to discuss your case with a Cranberry Township wrongful death attorney.

The Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims in Butler County

The first step in a wrongful death case is opening the deceased person’s estate through the Butler County Register of Wills. A personal representative – usually a close family member – is named or appointed to manage the estate and any legal claims.

Once the estate is established, our investigation begins. Our legal team gathers all relevant evidence, including:

• The death certificate
• Accident reports
• Medical records
• Photographs of the accident scene
• witness statements

Our lawyers then consult with experts to determine the responsible parties. A death might involve multiple defendants. For example, in a truck accident case, we might file claims against the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance contractor, and parts manufacturer. Each defendant may have separate insurance coverage available for your claim.

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. Settlement discussions can occur at any time, but serious negotiations usually begin after both sides complete discovery. Our attorneys prepare detailed settlement demands outlining your damages and evidence. If settlement talks fail, we prepare for trial.

Any wrongful death settlement must be approved by the court. A hearing is held to ensure the settlement is fair and the distribution is appropriate. After approval, we resolve any outstanding medical bills or liens before distributing funds to the family.

Munley Law will handle the legal process, communicating with defendants and insurance companies on your behalf. We keep you informed and make sure you are involved in all major decisions. We are committed to recovering the best possible outcome for our clients. Call us today to discuss how we can fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence is needed to prove a wrongful death case?

In general, we need to prove that someone’s negligence caused your loved one’s death and document the family’s losses. Evidence includes accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, witness statements, and financial records showing lost income and expenses.

What factors affect the value of a wrongful death claim?

Several factors influence claim value, including:

• The deceased person’s age and earning capacity
• The amount of medical expenses and funeral costs
• The financial support they provided to family
• The nature of their family relationships
• Available insurance coverage

How long does a typical case take?

While some cases settle within months, some cases can take years to resolve. The cause of death, number of parties involved, and quality of evidence can impact your case’s timeline. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your case will go to trial, which prolongs the process.

Why Choose Munley Law as Your Cranberry Township Wrongful Death Lawyer?

For more than 65 years, Munley Law has been helping clients in Cranberry Township and across Western Pennsylvania with wrongful death cases. We have recovered millions in compensation for families who lost loved ones due to others’ negligent actions.

The firm treats each wrongful death case with genuine compassion and unwavering dedication. The legal team collaborates with nationally recognized experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, economics, and other fields to build compelling claims. They firmly believe financial concerns should never be in the way of justice. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning families only pay when their case succeeds.

Wrongful death attorneys personally guide clients through every step of the process. Partners at Munley Law make it a priority to attend all necessary meetings, depositions, and court appearances. The firm remains deeply committed to fighting for bereaved families, ensuring attorneys are readily available to address concerns, answer questions, and provide the support needed during difficult times.

Losing a family member takes an emotional toll. Our team helps connect clients with grief counselors, support groups, and other local resources. We’ve guided hundreds of families through this difficult process with the respect they deserve.

Call our Cranberry Township personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. Let us seek justice for you while your family grieves in peace.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

510 Third Avenue
2nd Floor,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 534-5133