Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorneys
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Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawyers

Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia

At The Trapani Law Firm, we have experience handling all types of Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuits and birth injury cases in Pittsburgh PA, Allegheny County Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County and Washington County. The personal injury lawyers at the Trapani Law Firm can be reached at any time for a free consultation. If you have been seriously injured, we are more than happy to meet you at your local UPMC hospital in Pittsburgh or home in Allegheny County. Contact a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer at the Trapani Law Firm today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a Pittsburgh tractor-trailer truck accident or auto accident, The Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm can help. The numerous tractor-trailer trucks on Highway 76 and 79 create a dangerous situation for all Pittsburgh motorists. If you’ve been injured due to a negligent trucker or motorist, call The Trapani Law Firm today. We handle wrongful death truck accidents, fatal car accidents in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania wrongful death motorcycle accident lawsuits. Moreover, we handle Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuit settlements against UPMC in Allegheny County Pennsylvania.

Wrongful Death Attorney Pittsburgh PA

Our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys are here to help after you lose a loved one in a fatal accident in Pittsburgh PA or Allegheny County Pennsylvania. We understand the grief, pain and sense of loss can be paralyzing after a Pittsburgh wrongful death accident. If someone else is to blame for your family member’s death we want to help you hold them accountable with a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit settlement. In Pennsylvania, a spouse, parent or child can bring a wrongful death and survival lawsuit after the loss of a loved one. Pennsylvania wrongful death law allows the family to recover for lost wages, mental anguish, conscious pain and suffering before death, medical expenses, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Given the complexity of a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit we strongly encourage the family to seek a competent Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. At the Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm, an experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer will be able to guide you and your family through the legal process. Call us anytime for a free consultation. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys handle fatal truck accidents, wrongful death car accident, wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuits in Pittsburgh PA and fatal motorcycle accidents. A Pittsburgh mesothelioma lawyer at the Trapani Law Firm can also help if you need a Pittsburgh cancer attorney. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers are happy to meet you and your family at your home if that is are convenient or UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh PA. We would like to help get you back on your feet after a fatal Pittsburgh wrongful death accident in Allegheny County PA.

Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Lawyer Pittsburgh

A Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death attorney can help if you have lost a loved one due to the medical negligence – such as stroke malpractice – of a Pittsburgh UPMC hospital. Many Pittsburgh wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuits are caused by Emergency Room (ER) negligence where a doctor or nurse fails to diagnose an issue or does not run the appropriate tests in a timely manner. Moreover, a Pittsburgh cancer misdiagnosis lawyer can help if your loved one has suffered their wrongful death from cancer malpractice. This often occurs when a UPMC doctor or hospital fails to test for cancer and there is a missed cancer diagnosis in Pittsburgh PA. The Trapani Law Firm will often represent families who have lost a loved one due to a cardiac arrest misdiagnosis by any of the Pittsburgh UPMC hospitals in Allegheny County Pennsylvania. Sadly, many individuals will suffer their medical malpractice wrongful death in Pittsburgh PA due to hospital infection malpractice or healthcare-acquired infection (HAI). Last, a Pittsburgh birth injury lawyer can help if your infant suffered a wrongful death due to medical malpractice which caused a brain injury (TBI). This is often caused when a Pittsburgh hospital delays a Cesarean section delivery or commits vacuum pump negligence, causing Pittsburgh cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or meconium aspiration syndrome. If you need a medical malpractice wrongful death attorney in Pittsburgh PA, please call the Trapani Law Firm for a free consultation.

Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlement

Founded by Attorney Matthew Trapani, The Trapani Law Firm has built a reputation as a champion for individuals seriously injured due to the negligence of others, including Pittsburgh mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits handled by our Pittsburgh cancer death lawyers. A Pittsburgh apartment fire lawyer or house fire attorney in Pittsburgh can help if you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death fire in Pittsburgh PA.

At The Trapani Law Firm, our philosophy is to aggressively and tirelessly represent the families who who have lost a loved one in a Pittsburgh wrongful death accident. We believe that just economic compensation is the only acceptable outcome for your pain and suffering. Our wrongful death lawyers in Pittsburgh PA litigate electrocution deaths, tractor trailer accidents, Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuits, gas explosion cases, motorcycle accident deaths, Pittsburgh construction accident death, cancer misdiagnosis deaths, Boppy infant recall death lawsuits, workplace wrongful death and drowning wrongful death lawsuits in Pittsburgh PA.

Our wrongful death practice areas include: wrongful deathmedical malpracticebrain and spinal cord injurybirth injurypremises liability, cerebral palsy, stroke construction and workplace injuryproduct liability and civil rights.

Our Pittsburgh attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if and when you are economically compensated. Your initial consultation with us is completely free of charge. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers are available anytime for a free consultation.

Wrongful death lawsuit settlements can be very complex, but we speak your language. Our Pittsburgh lawyers make sure you understand exactly what is going on, every step of the way. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death attorneys will help explain the complexities of your Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit.

An experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer will meet you at any of the following Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Regent Square, Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill, Penn Hills, Swisshelm Park, Shadyside, Greenfield,  Highland Park, Downtown Pittsburgh, South Side Pittsburgh, Strip District, Allegheny Center, Oakland, North Shore, Central Business District and Mount Washington. Additionally, an experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney can meet you and your family at any of the following University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals: UPMC Presbyterian on 200 Lothrop St., UPMC Mercy on 1400 Locust St., UPMC Shadyside on 5230 Centre Ave., UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on 4401 Penn Ave. and UPMC Montefiore on 3459 Fifth Ave.

Wrongful death lawsuit settlements can be very complex, but we speak your language. Our Pittsburgh lawyers make sure you understand exactly what is going on, every step of the way. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death attorneys will help explain the complexities of your Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit or Pennsylvania wrongful death settlement value.

Our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers have extensive knowledge and passion for of the city of Pittsburgh PA. We are proud to offer scholarship opportunities to graduates of the University of Pittsburgh. Furthermore, our lawyers are passionate fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Our knowledge of the city of Pittsburgh Pa is extremely helpful when it comes time to pick an Allegheny County jury for trial in the Allegheny County Courthouse at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. A Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney at the Trapani Law Firm has experience in every single Pittsburgh zip code. Call us today for a free wrongful death consultation.

Gas Explosion Lawyer Pittsburgh PA

Contact a Pittsburgh natural gas explosion attorney at the Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation. Many times, Pittsburgh gas explosions are caused due to the negligence of a public utility company, such as a power company or natural gas company in Pittsburgh PA. Allegheny County gas explosions can also be caused by a propane gas tank leak, gas oven product liability or a natural gas tank explosion. Sadly, A Pittsburgh apartment fire or Pittsburgh apartment explosion can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit in Allegheny County. Moreover, workplace construction explosions in Pittsburgh PA happen far too often. A workplace explosion can be caused by defective construction equipment or a chemical explosion at a power plant or Pittsburgh factory explosion. We also handle Pittsburgh oil refinery explosion lawsuits and workplace propane explosion cases in Pittsburgh PA and wrongful death explosion lawsuit settlements in Allegheny County Pennsylvania. If you have lost a loved one in a Pittsburgh gas explosion, please call an experienced wrongful death attorney Pittsburgh PA for a free consultation.

If a family member was killed in a Pittsburgh workplace accident, you may be entitled to death benefits through workers’ compensation. But you may also be entitled to file a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit against parties other than the victim’s employer, such as the manufacturer or installer of defective equipment that caused the Pittsburgh construction accident. The Trapani wrongful death lawyers will help you achieve just compensation through a wrongful death settlement or Allegheny County jury trial.

Electrocution Lawyer Pittsburgh PA

A Pittsburgh electrocution attorney can help after a wrongful death electrocution accident in Allegheny County Pennsylvania. Electrocution wrongful deaths can occur because of fallen power lines by Pittsburgh utility companies like West Penn Power located at 800 Cabin Hill Dr, Greensburg PA 15601. Power companies in PA are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Power companies often fail to properly fix damaged or fallen power lines, choosing profits of safety. This type of utility company negligent or reckless conduct can result in a Pittsburgh electrocution wrongful death. At the Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm, we offer free consultations across Allegheny County to anyone who has lost a loved one a Pittsburgh electrocution accident. Our Pittsburgh fallen power line attorneys can meet you and your family at your home or any UPMC hospital in Allegheny County PA. We also represent injured persons who have suffered first, second or third degree burns due to an electrocution at their workplace or in a Pittsburgh construction accident. If your family member has suffered a wrongful death, amputation or paralysis, we can help relieve the financial stress. Call a Pittsburgh wrongful death electrocution attorney in Allegheny County PA today for a free consultation. We also offer free consultations for Pittsburgh birth injury lawsuits and cerebral palsy cases.

What Are the Leading Causes of Pittsburgh Wrongful Death in the USA?

The leading causes of death in the United States include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries, which collectively account for a significant portion of fatalities. According to the CDC, in 2021, unintentional injuries ranked as the fourth leading cause of death, claiming over 200,000 lives annually. These injuries often stem from workplace accidents, vehicle crashes, and other preventable accidents. 

For example, more than 46,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2021, a major category of unintentional fatalities​.

At the Trapani Law Firm, our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys work tirelessly to help families affected by preventable tragedies seek justice.

Where Do Most Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Accidents Occur?

Everyday activities come with small risks that can lead to Pittsburgh fatal accidents. Pittsburgh wrongful death incidents frequently happen at home, in workplaces, on the road, and in healthcare facilities. For instance, a Pittsburgh workplace accident wrongful death could involve a fall due to inadequate safety gear, while a Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death case may result from a delayed diagnosis or a surgical error. Fires, toxic exposures, and other hazards in homes can lead to Pittsburgh home fire wrongful death lawsuits, and fatal car crashes often lead to claims involving a Pittsburgh car wrongful death lawyer.

Each of these cases highlights the importance of proper safety measures. Survivors of victims frequently recommend the Trapani Law Firm for its compassionate approach and strong advocacy in cases ranging from Pittsburgh fatal truck accidents to Pittsburgh stroke misdiagnosis. In many instances, what begins as a personal injury claim evolves into a wrongful death lawsuit when injuries turn fatal.

Does Every Premature Death Qualify for a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Not every premature death meets the criteria for filing a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit. For a successful claim, plaintiffs must demonstrate:

  1. Negligence or intentional harm: The defendant must have acted recklessly or intentionally caused the harm.
  2. Direct causation: The defendant’s actions must be proven to have caused the fatality.
  3. Survivors with standing: Immediate family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, typically have the right to sue.
  4. Damages incurred: Plaintiffs must show financial or emotional harm, such as lost income or companionship.

For instance, if a death occurs due to natural causes with no negligence, survivors would not have grounds for a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death?

Liability in wrongful death cases depends on the circumstances of the fatal accident. Defendants could include:

  • Employers: For example, a roofer’s employer could be liable for a fatal fall due to inadequate safety measures.
  • Healthcare providers: Doctors failing to diagnose life-threatening conditions may be liable in Pittsburgh medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuits.
  • Property owners: Negligence leading to fatal accidents like fires could result in lawsuits against landlords.
  • Drivers: Reckless driving causing fatal crashes leads to claims involving a Pittsburgh car wrongful death lawyer.
  • Manufacturers: Defective products causing fatalities may hold manufacturers accountable.

Plaintiffs, such as the families of workplace accident victims, vehicle accident victims, or patients who suffered fatal complications, rely on strong legal representation to secure justice and compensation.

Pittsburgh Car and Truck Accident Wrongful Death Statistics

Car and truck accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System in 2022, over 42,000 fatalities occurred in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S., with truck-related crashes contributing to a significant portion of these deaths​.

While car accidents primarily affect drivers and passengers, large truck crashes often result in devastating multi-vehicle collisions. Families of victims rely on experienced advocates like our Pittsburgh fatal truck accident lawyers and Pittsburgh car wrongful death attorneys to navigate the complexities of these cases.

Can You Sue Multiple Parties in a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Yes, multiple parties can share liability in a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuit. For example:

  1. In a workplace accident, both the employer and equipment manufacturers may share responsibility.
  2. A fatal truck crash could involve the truck driver, their employer, and a maintenance company.
  3. Faulty building materials causing a deadly collapse could hold property owners and manufacturers liable.
  4. A multi-vehicle collision may involve claims against several negligent drivers.
  5. Toxic exposure leading to death could implicate employers and chemical suppliers.

The Trapani Law Firm ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable, maximizing compensation for grieving families.

How Do You Prove a Party Knew or Should Have Known About Deadly Hazards?

To prove that a party knew or should have known about deadly hazards, plaintiffs must establish a connection between the responsible party’s knowledge (or negligence in acquiring knowledge) and the conditions that caused harm. Here are the key elements to build a strong case:

  1. Evidence of Prior Warnings or Complaints
    Records of complaints, internal reports, or third-party warnings can demonstrate that the defendant had prior knowledge of the hazard. For example, if a company was alerted about PFAS contamination in a Pittsburgh water supply, or gas leak in the building, but failed to act, this negligence could establish liability.
  2. Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards
    Violations of safety laws or failure to adhere to standards set by organizations like OSHA can show that the party disregarded risks. For instance, OSHA provides guidelines for hazardous chemicals, air pollution, or personal protective equipment that employers must follow. Failure to comply is strong evidence of negligence.
  3. History of Similar Accidents
    Patterns of accidents or injuries caused by the same issue (e.g., defective products, unsafe premises, or toxic exposure) suggest that the party was aware of the risks but failed to address them. For example, if a building owner repeatedly ignored inspections and a collapse occurred, this is proof of recklessness.
  4. Expert Testimony and Research
    Expert witnesses can analyze scientific, technical, or procedural data to demonstrate how the hazard was foreseeable. For instance, in cases of defective drugs or products, experts might show that proper testing would have revealed the risks.
  5. Internal Documentation
    Memos, emails, or studies within the defendant’s organization can prove they were aware of the hazard. For example, if a pharmaceutical company ignored internal reports about the carcinogenic risks of their drug, this evidence would directly support the case.
  6. Failure to Act on Foreseeable Risks
    Even if there is no direct evidence of actual knowledge, showing that the party should have known can establish liability. This includes failing to inspect, test, or mitigate risks that a reasonable person in their position would have addressed.

By presenting these types of evidence, plaintiffs can demonstrate that the defendant’s failure to act on known or foreseeable risks directly led to a wrongful death or injury. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys specialize in gathering the necessary evidence and leveraging expert resources to build a compelling case for justice.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Our Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorneys?

At the Trapani Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront fees. This approach ensures that financial barriers never prevent grieving families from seeking justice. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers are committed to fighting for fair compensation, whether for medical bills, lost wages, or emotional suffering. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations available 24/7. 

Does It Matter if a Loved One Was Lost Suddenly or After a Prolonged Illness?

Yes, there is a difference in compensation claims depending on whether the loved one was lost suddenly in an accident or after a prolonged illness caused by negligence. Losing someone suddenly, such as in a Pittsburgh workplace accident wrongful death or Pittsburgh fatal car accident, often leads to claims covering immediate damages like funeral expenses and lost future income.

In contrast, if the death followed a lengthy illness or hospital stay, such as after medical malpractice or exposure to toxic substances like PFAS, additional compensation may be sought for the care, treatment, and emotional suffering endured by both the deceased and their family prior to the death. These costs include prolonged medical treatments, therapies, and the caregiving efforts by family members. Courts may also recognize the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer, which can increase the non-economic damages awarded.

At the Trapani Law Firm, our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys are skilled at calculating both immediate and long-term damages, ensuring plaintiffs receive fair compensation for their loss and the circumstances leading up to it.

How Much Is Your Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Case Worth?

The value of a Pittsburgh wrongful death case depends on factors like lost income, medical expenses, and emotional suffering. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death attorneys ensure maximum compensation by meticulously building a case and guiding families to avoid common mistakes, such as accepting low settlements or delaying legal action.

What Is the Time Limit to File a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for Pittsburgh wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date of death. However, exceptions exist when the cause of death is discovered later, such as in cases involving cancer from toxic exposure. If delayed, plaintiffs must establish causation and preserve their rights with legal counsel.

Does the Statute of Limitations Extend for Minor or Incapacitated Survivors in a Wrongful Death Case?

Yes, the statute of limitations may be extended for minor or incapacitated survivors in a wrongful death case. In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased’s death. However, if the deceased’s only survivors are minors or individuals deemed legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or paused, until the minor reaches adulthood (typically 18 years old) or the incapacitated individual regains legal capacity.

For example, if a parent dies in a Pittsburgh workplace accident and the only survivors are their minor children, the law may allow those children to file a claim once they turn 18. This extension ensures that minors or incapacitated survivors are not unfairly prevented from seeking justice due to their age or condition at the time of the accident.

However, specific nuances and limitations apply, such as the role of guardians or representatives who might need to act on behalf of the survivors. It’s crucial to consult an experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death attorney to ensure rights are preserved and actions are taken within the permissible timeframe.

Contact a Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorney

Call The Trapani Wrongful Death Law Firm today to set up your free wrongful death consultation in Pittsburgh PA. A wrongful death attorney in Pittsburgh PA will meet you in your Pittsburgh home, apartment or UPMC hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for a free consultation: (610) 351 – 2330 or contact us.

 

Most recent reviews:

Easton, PA


★★★★★


When I was injured my life seemed so confusing. While I focused on getting better, Matt Trapani worked on my behalf with the insurance companies and doctors’ offices to solve problems and relieve the stress. Matt walked my family and I through every aspect of what to expect and he’s taken great care of us.

Lorna Ellis

Allentown, PA


★★★★★


Working with the Trapani Law Firm was a great experience! Attorney Trapani helped me with my car accident case and the results were outstanding. Additionally, my calls were always responded to with prompt professionalism and an abundance of knowledge. You guys are the best and I will recommend you to anyone who has been the victim of a personal injury or car accident!

Tim McMahon

Easton, PA


★★★★★


After I was injured in a car accident, I didn’t know where to turn. Matt has been there from the start. He’s always there to explain each step along the way and answer all of my questions to the fullest. Thank you Matt for being there for us.

Samantha Armstrong


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Last Updated on November 29, 2024