An Easton wrongful death lawyer at Munley Law understands that losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence changes every aspect of a family’s life.
For almost 70 years, our family-run firm has represented Pennsylvania families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in personal injury law, with several partners board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
When a preventable death occurs, families are often left facing medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. We guide clients through every step of the legal process, conducting independent investigations, preserving evidence, and protecting their rights against insurers and corporate defendants.
Our Easton wrongful death attorneys combine the resources of a national trial firm with the personal attention of a family practice. From early case evaluation through settlement negotiations or trial, we fight to secure the justice and financial recovery families need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Do You Need an Easton Wrongful Death Lawyer?
A wrongful death is a death that is caused by negligence on the part of another person or company. Negligence is a legal term with a unique definition in personal injury law, but negligence generally includes behavior that is careless, reckless or fails to act with reasonable care. After you lose a loved one in an accident, you might be wondering what your next step is in order to receive compensation for your expenses. An experienced wrongful death attorney will take the weight off of your shoulders.
Our lawyers can:
Investigate What Happened
It’s not always obvious how a loved one died. Even when you know the exact cause, it sometimes still isn’t clear what happened. Munley Law’s Easton wrongful death lawyers can help you examine what occurred. We can work with investigators, police, and experts to figure out exactly what happened. Not only that, but we can also make sure to collect critical evidence along the way.
Prove Negligence
In order to win your wrongful death claim, your injury attorneys must prove negligence. While Munley Law’s wrongful death lawyers are happy to explain the exact requirements of a case, generally speaking, there are four elements:
- Duty – The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
- Breach – We must demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty by acting unreasonably.
- Causation – We must then show that the defendant’s actions resulted in your loved one’s death.
- Damages – Finally, we must be able to prove that you suffered damages
Negotiate with the Insurance Company and the Opposing Side
Munley Law’s Easton wrongful death attorneys have decades of experience fighting against insurance companies and wrongdoers who would attempt to settle claims for less than what victims deserve. We are recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report, and our trial-ready reputation and board-certified civil trial advocates give us an authoritative edge in negotiations.
Fight for You at Trial
If we can’t resolve your claim without a fight, we have no problem trialing your case. Our Easton wrongful death lawyers are experienced courtroom advocates, and we will be fully prepared to present your case to a jury.
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity. Three generations of Munleys have built this firm on one belief: that injured people deserve the same fierce advocacy that the powerful receive as a matter of course. That belief still drives everything we do.”
Caroline Munley
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by the family of the deceased, including a spouse, child, or parent. If the deceased has no surviving spouse, child, or parent, another representative may be able to pursue a wrongful death case. Of course, family dynamics can be complicated, especially in the wake of a tragedy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for almost 223,000 deaths in 2003. While no legal action can replace what was lost, we help families pursue accountability, financial stability, and justice during an incredibly difficult time. If you are unsure whether you have the right to pursue legal action, contact a wrongful death lawyer at Munley Law for guidance.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you receive compensation for:
- Medical and funeral costs
- Lost earnings and benefits of the deceased
- Loss of care and companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of security for those dependent on the deceased
- In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent party
How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?
In most states, including Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death case is two years from the date of death. That said, time is of the essence when it comes to a fatal accident. While you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, it is best to speak with an Easton wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Easton wrongful death attorneys work with you long before the filing of a lawsuit. For example, critical evidence can be lost or destroyed in the days and weeks following a fatal accident. A lawyer can help ensure this evidence is retained and prepared for use in proving your claim.
Should You Accept an Insurance Settlement After a Fatal Accident?
Never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company before consulting with an experienced Easton wrongful death lawyer, like those at Munley Law. Unfortunately, the settlement offered by an insurance company is usually a fraction of what you would receive with the help of a lawyer. And, in most cases, if you accept an offer of settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if the settlement proves insufficient. You could also unknowingly waive or severely limit your ability to successfully seek compensation from other parties who might have been at fault.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Typically Take in Easton?
The duration of a wrongful death lawsuit depends on many factors. For example, Munley Law’s Easton wrongful death attorneys can sometimes resolve your claim with a settlement with the negligent parties. There are benefits to settling a case. Chief among them is that, usually, settling a case can get you compensation much faster than a formal lawsuit. Indeed, some cases can be fully resolved in a few months.
If the negligent party is not willing to settle for the amount you deserve, Munley Law’s Easton wrongful death lawyers are prepared to, and indeed known for their ability to, fight on your behalf in court.
That said, this takes time. We won’t let the negligent parties drag their feet, but even still, most courts have incredibly busy dockets, and building a successful wrongful death case takes time. All told, this could take a year or two, depending on the court in which we file.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Easton Wrongful Death Case?
With so many personal injury law firms to choose from, how do you know who you can trust to fight for you and your family? Munley Law sets itself apart, and we’re ready to prove it to you. Here are just a few reasons to let us fight for you and your family:
Experience – Each of our partners has decades of experience representing individuals and families who have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence. Because we are a family firm, we often work closely together on our cases to achieve the best possible results for you.
Industry Leaders – The board-certified attorneys at Munley Law are among the highest-rated and most respected legal advocates in the country. Our credentials (including Best Lawyers in America, Best Law Firms, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum) reflect the extremely high standards we’ve set for ourselves and the recognition we’ve received from clients and peers.
Resources – Winning an Easton wrongful death case is challenging. At Munley Law, we have access to resources typically available only to big law firms. We work closely with our network of engineers, investigators, experts, and in-house medical personnel to build your case. What’s more, unlike other law firms, you aren’t on the hook for paying these professionals out of pocket.
Our No-Fee Promise – We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. If we do not produce results for you, you owe us nothing. Also, at no point will you ever pay anything out of pocket; even when we win, our fee comes out of the money we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Lawyers in Easton
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death Under Pennsylvania Law?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common examples include fatal car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or defective products. The key legal issue is whether the death could have been prevented if reasonable care had been exercised.
What Is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?
Pennsylvania law allows both claims to be filed together. A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses, while a survival action seeks the damages the deceased could have recovered if they had lived. These may include pain and suffering experienced before death, as well as lost earnings.
Do I Need Proof of Negligence to File a Claim?
Yes. Successful wrongful death cases require evidence showing another party breached a duty of care and caused the fatal injury. Our attorneys work with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability.
Can Multiple Parties be Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
Often, yes. Liability may extend beyond one individual to employers, manufacturers, contractors, or property owners. Identifying all responsible parties is critical because it can significantly increase available compensation.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Distributed?
Compensation is typically distributed among eligible family members under Pennsylvania law. Courts may review distributions to ensure fairness, particularly when minor children are involved.
What Evidence is Important After a Fatal Accident?
Police reports, medical records, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert analysis often play critical roles. Early legal involvement helps prevent evidence from being lost or destroyed.
Contact an Easton Wrongful Death Attorney at Munley Law
At Munley Law, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the aftermath of a loss, and we are here to provide compassionate, experienced legal support every step of the way.
Chat live, fill out our email form, or call today for a free consultation regarding whether you may have a wrongful death claim. There is no fee for our services unless we recover for you, and we get paid only out of the money we recover.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is an experienced and award-winning personal injury lawyer and is a board-certified workers’ compensation specialist. Since 2018, she’s been listed in Best Lawyers in America (Personal Injury Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Claimants, Northeastern PA), Lawdragon, and has been a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2022. A member of the International Society of Barristers, Caroline has won millions of dollars for car accident, commercial truck crash, and workplace injury victims.
