• People

    Advanced Search

  • Services
  • All Services

  • After losing a loved one, a lawsuit is likely the last thing on your mind. Losing a loved one unexpectedly can change your life in ways you may have not considered. In addition to losing that person’s love and comfort, you also lose a lifetime of emotional and financial support.

    If a person or corporate entity’s negligence caused or contributed to your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to compensation. A wrongful death lawsuit can not take away the pain of a loved one’s loss, but it can help ease the financial burden.

    The compassionate Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers at Stark & Stark have a long history of helping surviving family members throughout Pennsylvania recover from unimaginable loss. If you unexpectedly lost a loved one in an accident caused by another’s fault, contact our Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys for a free case review to see if you may be eligible for compensation.

    SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

    What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

    Whenever a person sustains fatal injuries at the hands of another person’s wrongful actions or negligence, it may be considered a wrongful death. Wrongful deaths are usually caused by some sort of preventable, fatal accident. Examples include a fatal car accident caused by a distracted driver or a fatal injury on a construction worksite caused by a contractor who improperly installed scaffolding.

    The Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act allows the families of the deceased to seek justice for the harm they have suffered. When a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family of the victim has the right to file a claim to recover monetary losses, like medical bills, loss of income, and other potential damages. Our Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys can advocate for your rights, and fight to make sure you receive the financial support you may be entitled to in order to begin to find closure.

    Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

    Family mourning the wrongful death of a loved oneWrongful death occurs when another party’s recklessness, negligence, or otherwise deliberate careless actions result in a fatality. To successfully establish that a wrongful death has occurred, an attorney must prove that the other party (defendant):

    • Had a duty to the deceased to exercise reasonable care: This may include a nursing home facility where your parent was a resident, a physician who was treating your loved one in an official capacity, or a property owner of a facility where your family member worked.
    • Violated their duty of reasonable care: For example, a nursing home facility failed to properly administer your parent’s medications, a physician made a catastrophic surgical error, or a property owner improperly installed scaffolding that caused your family member to fall
    • Their failure to exercise reasonable care resulted in the death of the individual

    Some of the most common circumstances in which a wrongful death can occur include the following:

    • Car Accidents: The United States Transportation Department‘s statistics show that in 2018 alone, there were 36,560 people killed in automobile accidents. Many of these accidents include speeding, drunk driving, drivers under the influence of drugs, or otherwise careless driving.
    • Workplace Accidents: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019, the most in any year since 2007. Work-related fatalities most commonly happened in occupations like transportation, construction, and law enforcement among others.
    • Medical Errors: Medical professionals commit fatal mistakes more often than most people assume. According to a John Hopkins study, medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in America, following heart disease and cancer.
    • Drownings: Fatalities due to drowning can happen in water parks, residential and community pools, or other recreational areas and often occur due to inadequate safety measures.

    SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

    Possible Compensation for a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawsuit

    In Pennsylvania, typically the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit may result in compensation for the following types of losses:

    • Medical expenses
    • Funeral costs
    • Loss of support or companionship
    • Loss of financial contributions from the victim
    • Pain and suffering

    These are expenses you should not have to worry about while grieving the loss of a loved one.

    Why Hire a Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyer?

    Super Lawyers Awarded to Stark & StarkWhen faced with an unthinkable tragedy like the sudden death of a loved one, it is important to have counsel on your side that understands the complexities of the legal process and will fight to protect your rights. Our Philadelphia wrongful death law firm will evaluate your case and the circumstances of the fatal accident to devise a legal strategy that will help you recover fair compensation for your losses.

    Our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers have access to the investigative resources needed to obtain evidence that supports your claim, as well as the negotiation and litigation skills needed to hold all of the potentially liable parties responsible. You can count on Stark & Stark to help you find peace of mind during an immensely difficult time.

    Our Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyers Have a Trusted Track Record

    Our team of Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers is highly skilled in aggressive negotiations with responsible parties and their insurance companies. While every case has different facts and subsequent results, our team of personal injury attorneys is committed to delivering the best outcomes possible. If an insurance company refuses to settle, we are prepared to present your case to a jury if is the right solution.

    To date, we have secured multiple multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for wrongful death clients. This includes $4.65 million for the family of an individual killed in a tractor-trailer crash.

    Helpful Resources After the Unexpected Loss of a Loved One

    After the traumatic loss of a close loved one, getting support can be an important part of the grieving process. Teens and children often deal with grief in very different ways than adults, and it can become difficult to comfort your children while you are also trying to manage your grief. A focused grief group can provide support and insight as you process the loss of your loved one.

    Contact a Philadelphia Wrongful Death Attorney

    Albert StarkIf you lost a loved one at the hands of another’s negligent or careless actions, you need a compassionate legal representative who will also fight to protect your family’s rights and help you obtain justice. You will find just that at Stark & Stark’s Philadelphia office.

    Reach out today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers.

    SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

    Stark & Stark – Philadelphia Office

    Address: One Liberty Place
    1650 Market St., Suite 3600, Philadelphia, PA 19103

    Phone: (267) 907-9600

    Speak with an Experienced Attorney Today

    "*" indicates required fields

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Firm Highlights

    Stark & Stark Joins Growing Coalition of Law Firms in Defense of Constitutional Principles and the Independence of the Legal Profession

    Stark & Stark has joined hundreds of fellow law firms across the country in filing an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner...

    Stark & Stark Attorneys Recognized as New Jersey “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” in 2026

    Stark & Stark is pleased to announce that 15 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the list of 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers,...

    Bruce Stern, Esq. Secures $1,000,000 Settlement in Motor Vehicle Collision Case

    Bruce Stern, Esq. recently secured a $1,000,000 settlement in a motor vehicle collision case.* “This case highlights how quickly things can go...

    Deborah Dunn, Esq. Elected to Board of Directors for Angel Flight East

    Stark & Stark is pleased to announce that Deborah Dunn, Esq., Shareholder and Civil Trial Attorney, has been elected to the Board of Directors...

    Michael Jordan, Esq. Joins the Board of the Lawrence Township Community Foundation

    It is our pleasure to announce that Michael Jordan, Esq. has joined the board of the Lawrence Township Community Foundation, an organization...

    Stark & Stark Opens Newtown, Pennsylvania Location

    Stark & Stark announced the relocation of its Yardley, Pennsylvania office to a new location in Newtown, PA. The new office is now open and...

    Joseph Lemkin, Esq. Named to ROI-NJ Influencers: Power List 2026 – Law

    Stark & Stark is proud to share that Joseph Lemkin, Esq., Shareholder, has been named to the 2026 Influencers: Power List in the Law category...

    Jeffrey A. Krawitz, Esq. and Michael C. Ksiazek, Esq. Secure $1,000,000 Settlement in Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Case

    Jeffrey A. Krawitz, Esq. and Michael C. Ksiazek, Esq. recently secured a $1,000,000 settlement in a medical malpractice wrongful death...

    Joseph Cullen, Esq. and Nicole Durso, Esq. Secure $2,000,000 Settlement in Personal Injury Matter

    Joseph Cullen, Esq. and Nicole Durso, Esq. recently secured a $2,000,000 settlement in a personal injury matter involving a pedestrian who was struck...

    Stark & Stark Welcomes Susan L. Swatski, Esq. to the Firm

    Continuing in its mission to provide its clients innovative legal solutions to meet their needs, Stark & Stark PC, announced today that Susan L....

    Tim Duggan Wins Eminent Domain Challenge – Case Dismissed

    We are pleased to share that Tim Duggan of our Condemnation, Redevelopment, and Eminent Domain Group was successful in protecting the owner of a...

    James Creegan, Esq. Appointed to Board of The 200 Club of Mercer County

    It is our pleasure to announce that James Creegan, Esq. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The 200 Club of Mercer County, an...