Wrongful Death

Financial Recovery and Justice After a Loved One Has Died

Bringing a wrongful death claim to court

When someone dies after being struck and killed by a drunk driver in a DUI accident, from using a defective product, or from some other negligently caused accident, the law considers that a "wrongful death." It is a tragedy that could have and should have been avoided.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one because of the reckless or negligent actions of another person or a company, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim in court. Money can never make up for your loss, but a wrongful death lawsuit can help your family overcome lost income and services that your loved one brought to the household. A lawsuit can hold the negligent party responsible.

If you’re considering a wrongful death lawsuit, you need an experienced injury attorney who understands the law and the needs of grieving families—a lawyer who can get you the kind of settlement you need and deserve. Contact the Altoona law office of Serbin, Kovacs & Nypaver L.L.P.

Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim in Court

In order to bring a wrongful death claim for a fatal car accident, an accident on a dangerous property, or from the use of a defective product, we first need to prove that another party was at fault. We do that through carefully investigating the evidence of the accident, checking available police reports, and interviewing witnesses. Contact us immediately to allow our firm to begin investigation before evidence is lost.

If possible, it's helpful if family members try to preserve any evidence remaining from the accident: the motorcycle or car, packaging from a defective product, or photos taken at the accident scene. This will help our investigators. The sooner you contact Serbin, Kovacs & Nypaver L.L.P., the sooner we can investigate and preserve evidence that may be critical to the case.

The second major part of an accidental death claim is determining, and then communicating, the extent of your loss. This includes obvious loss of income from wages your loved one would have earned over his or her lifetime. But it also includes the value of services and companionship your loved one performed as a spouse, as a parent, as a child caring for elder parents, or in any other way.

While a child does not earn income, the death of a child is traumatic to everyone in the family, and the sense of loss can be profound, causing disabling depression.

No one can truly understand your loss, but the wrongful death attorneys at Serbin, Kovacs & Nypaver do understand how difficult and stressful this time is for you. We will do everything we can to help you achieve justice in court and obtain a proper financial settlement. Contact our Altoona, Pennsylvania, injury law office for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.