Meet with a Lancaster Attorney Quickly after an Unexpected Passing
If a family suspects that their loved one lost their life in an accident borne of negligence, they should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Any delay in seeking legal assistance could make their case more difficult to prove. Evidence can become lost or destroyed. For example, it is better to take photographs of a car accident shortly after the crash occurs as opposed to waiting until after everything has been cleared, and surveillance footage of an accident should be collected before it is deleted.
Additionally, the memories of eyewitnesses may fade over time, making it harder to get an accurate report of what happened after the accident has already occurred. Performing a detailed investigation of a sudden death within the time-frame allotted by the statute of limitation can be challenging without legal experience, so consider working with a National Board Trial Advocacy attorney at McDonald At Law.
What Are the Statutory Limitations on Filing a Wrongful Death Action?
Families in Lancaster are subject to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, meaning they can only bring a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of their loved one’s passing. If the decedent’s personal representative does not file a claim on behalf of the decedent’s spouse, children, or parents within that two-year period, a local court may bar them from pursing damages.
Sometimes, the circumstances of a person’s death are unclear. It may not be immediately apparent that someone passed away as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence. In those situations, the discovery rule might extend the statute of limitations to begin when the wrongful death was or should have been discovered as opposed to on the person’s date of death. A knowledgeable Lancaster attorney could help explain whether the discovery rule applies to a particular situation.
Ask a Lancaster Attorney about the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
A person’s unexpected passing can cause overwhelming grief. After suddenly losing a loved one, it can be difficult to get through each day, let alone to stay on top of all the statutory filing deadlines.
Let our lawyers help you take legal action within the statute of limitations for Lancaster wrongful death claims, so you can focus on recovering from your loss and getting on with your life. Call McDonald At Law today.
