Wrongful Death

As wrongful death attorneys serving Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Shaffer & Gaier have significant experience providing legal services to families of the victims.

A wrongful death claim may be filed when an act of negligence by one individual or group leads to the death of another person. Wrongful death may result from medical malpractice, an automobile accident, exposure to hazardous conditions or materials, or an accident that occurs during a supervised activity.

After the victim passes, it is up to the immediate family to take legal action by filing a wrongful death claim.

Our Wrongful Death Practice

Our lawyers in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey encourage victims to find legal representation as soon as possible since a wrongful death claim in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey must be made within two years of the incident.

We will carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of the death, traveling to the scene of the incident if necessary.

Our attorneys will work with expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, medical professionals, and financial planners, to develop and present the most compelling case.

Damages that are recoverable through a wrongful death claim include any monetary expenses related to the victim’s death, including:

• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of inheritance
• Anticipated future earnings and benefits

In addition to monetary compensation, family members may also receive reparations for their pain and suffering, as well as the loss of care, guidance, protection, and love that the deceased would have provided had they survived.

Punitive damages may also be included if there is proof that the defendant intentionally or maliciously caused the victim’s death.