Wrongful Death Lawyers in West Virginia, Ohio, & Pennsylvania
Losing a loved one due to negligence is unimaginably hard. Polverini & Wiater, PLLC helps families pursue accountability and financial security.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
Claims are brought by the estate or family when death results from another’s wrongful act—vehicle crashes, medical negligence, unsafe premises, and more. Separate “survival” claims may address the decedent’s suffering before death.
Common Wrongful Death Situations
- Fatal car/truck/motorcycle crashes
- Medical malpractice and hospital errors
- Dangerous premises or products
- Workplace/construction incidents
- DUI or criminal misconduct
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury/illness
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium
- Conscious pain and suffering (survival action)
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
- Estate Coordination – Work with the personal representative and probate process.
- Liability – Investigate thoroughly; identify all responsible parties and coverages.
- Valuation – Use economists and vocational experts to measure lifetime losses.
- Resolution – Pursue accountability through settlement or trial.
Wrongful Death FAQs
These FAQs are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office directly.
Who can file?
Typically the estate’s representative for the benefit of eligible family; we’ll clarify based on state law.
Is there a time limit?
Yes—deadlines apply and can be complex; contact us promptly.
What’s the difference between wrongful death and survival claims?
One compensates the family; the other the estate for the decedent’s own damages.
Do criminal charges affect my civil claim?
They’re separate; civil liability doesn’t depend on a conviction.
Will we have to go to trial?
Many cases resolve pre‑trial, but we prepare for trial from day one.
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