Practice Areas
Wrongful DeathAttorney Jim Belliveau, PittsburghWrongful Death Lawyers, when using the term “wrongful death,” refer to a fatality that is not only tragic and unnecessary, but which entitles survivors to compensation. If you have lost a family member, or represent the estate of a person who died because of the negligence of another, please feel free to contact my Pittsburgh office and request a free consultation about a possible claim. Under Pennsylvania law, two different claims may be involved following a fatal accident. A survival action is brought on behalf of the estate to compensate the estate for the medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income of the deceased. A wrongful death action, filed on behalf of parents, children, or the spouse of the deceased, asks for compensation for the family’s loss of comfort, society, services, and financial support. The state does not allow overlap between the two claims for loss of income. Usually the family members who are entitled to file a wrongful death action are also among the beneficiaries of the estate. The family members generally have priority to be administrators of the estate, but there are some instances where they cannot. A recent example in which I served as lawyer involved the death by electrocution of a young man in a construction accident. The only heir was a two-year old son, so the father of the victim was appointed administrator of the estate. Wrongful death claims may stem from a variety of situations, in addition to construction deaths. These include car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, animal attacks, accidental falls, dangerous products, accidents on dangerous roads. I offer 25 years of experience in litigation, an engineering background, and absolute commitment to clients at my personal injury firm in Pittsburgh. A wrongful death lawyer needs the technical expertise to assemble complex information and the skill to present it in terms that clearly establish the fault of the responsible party. The quality of my representation is documented in the seven-figure settlements and verdicts I have recovered for my clients. Jim Belliveau, Pittsburgh personal injury attorney, serves clients in Erie, Butler, Cranberry Township, Monroeville, Mars, Altoona, Johnstown, Waynesburg, Indiana, Meadville, and throughout Allegheny County, Indiana County, and western Pennsylvania. No recovery, no charge |
