The Lackawanna County wrongful death lawyers at Munley Law understand that the loss of a family member changes every part of life. In the days and months that follow, families are left to manage grief while also facing practical concerns, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and unanswered questions about what happened.
If your loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence, a dangerous product, a trucking company, medical malpractice, or another preventable act, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
At Munley Law, our wrongful death lawyers help families seek accountability and financial security after a tragic loss. For nearly 70 years, our firm has represented Pennsylvania families in complex and high-stakes cases, recovering significant verdicts and settlements on their behalf.
Our attorneys handle the legal process so your family can focus on what matters most: supporting one another and moving forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Do Families in Lackawanna County Choose Munley Law?
Not every Lackawanna County personal injury law firm is equipped to handle a wrongful death case. These claims often involve extensive investigations, expert testimony, accident reconstruction, financial analysis, and litigation against large corporations and insurance companies.
Munley Law brings resources and experience that few firms can match. 
A Record of Results in Complex Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
Our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar recoveries in wrongful death matters involving truck accidents, motor vehicle crashes, aviation disasters, workplace incidents, and other catastrophic events.
We have recovered more than $1 billion for clients and have obtained substantial wrongful death settlements and verdicts throughout Pennsylvania.
Nationally Recognized Trial Lawyers
Munley Law’s attorneys have earned recognition from organizations including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Several of our attorneys hold board certifications, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of lawyers nationwide.
Resources to Take on Powerful Defendants
Wrongful death claims often involve trucking companies, manufacturers, hospitals, construction firms, or large insurance carriers. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, economists, engineers, and investigators to build compelling, evidence-based cases.
Local Roots, National Reputation
Founded in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Munley Law has deep ties to Lackawanna County and the surrounding communities. We understand the local courts, the region’s industries, and the impact a sudden loss can have on local families.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct. Pennsylvania law allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation for the losses resulting from that death.
These cases commonly involve:
- Truck accidents on I-81, I-84, I-380, and other regional highways
- Car and motorcycle crashes
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Medical negligence
- Defective products
- Premises liability incidents
- Industrial and manufacturing accidents
- Fatal pedestrian and bicycle collisions
Every case is different, but the central question remains the same: could this death have been prevented?
What Compensation is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
While no legal action can replace a loved one, a successful claim can help protect your family’s future.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of income and financial support
- Loss of benefits and retirement contributions
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased through a related survival action
Our attorneys work closely with financial experts to fully understand the long-term impact a death has on surviving family members.
Investigating Fatal Accidents in Lackawanna County
Evidence can disappear quickly after a fatal accident. Trucking companies may retain investigators within hours. Businesses often begin preparing their defense immediately.
Munley Law moves quickly to preserve critical evidence, including:
- Crash reports
- Black box and electronic data
- Surveillance footage
- Maintenance records
- Cell phone records
- Medical documentation
- Witness statements
- Employment and earnings records
Our team conducts a thorough investigation designed to uncover exactly what happened and who should be held responsible.
Wrongful Death Cases Involving Commercial Trucks
Lackawanna County sits at the crossroads of several major freight routes, making commercial truck traffic a constant presence on local highways.
When a fatal crash involves a tractor-trailer, the investigation becomes far more complex. Federal regulations, maintenance records, driver qualification files, electronic logging devices, and corporate safety practices may all become important evidence.
Munley Law is particularly well known for its experience in trucking litigation. We are the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three attorneys board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, bringing specialized knowledge that can be critical in fatal commercial vehicle cases.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524). This is different from the date of the injury; the clock typically runs from when your loved one passed away. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering compensation, no matter how strong the case is.
A few situations can change that timeline. If a government entity may be responsible, a formal notice must be given within six months (42 Pa. C.S. § 5522). The deadline can also shift when the claim involves a minor or when the cause of death wasn’t immediately known. Because these exceptions are easy to miss, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a loss.
What to Expect When You Contact Munley Law
When you reach out to our office, you’ll speak with a member of our legal team about what happened and whether you may have a claim.
We can review the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, explain your legal options, identify potential defendants, answer your questions about the process, and begin an investigation immediately if necessary.
There is no obligation to move forward, and there are no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Lackawanna County
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Lackawanna County?
Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death claim is generally brought on behalf of certain surviving family members, including spouses, children, and parents. An attorney can explain how the law applies to your family’s situation.
What If a Criminal Case Is Also Pending?
A wrongful death lawsuit is separate from a criminal prosecution. Your family may still have the right to pursue compensation even if criminal charges are never filed or do not result in a conviction.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth?
The value depends on many factors, including the deceased person’s income, age, family circumstances, medical expenses, and the facts surrounding the incident. Every case requires an individual evaluation.
Will My Wrongful Death Case Go To Trial?
Many wrongful death claims settle before trial. However, defendants are often more willing to negotiate fairly when they know the family’s law firm has substantial courtroom experience and is prepared to present the case to a jury.
How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Death?
As soon as possible. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and begin building the strongest case available.
Speak With a Lackawanna County Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Families deserve answers when a preventable tragedy takes a loved one away. If you believe negligence played a role in your family member’s death, the attorneys at Munley Law are prepared to investigate, explain your options, and pursue accountability on your behalf.
Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation with a Lackawanna County wrongful death lawyer. We are available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is a highly compassionate and driven wrongful death lawyer. Knowledgeable in various fields of personal injury law, Marion has extensive experience pursuing wrongful death claims of all kinds. Marion has delivered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases involving wrongful death, including a $17.5 Million Jury verdict in a teen’s death caused by a car accident and a $1.4 million settlement in an ER wrongful death case. Marion is also highly accredited, being one of the very few to become Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a Lawdragon 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee.
