Scranton Wrongful Death Lawyers

Board Certified Trial Advocates Serving Lackawanna County Families

When a loved one dies because of another party’s negligence, families face grief, financial pressure, and legal deadlines all at once. Abrahamsen, Conaboy & Abrahamsen P.C. has represented Northeastern Pennsylvania families in wrongful death claims since 1982, handling more than 24,000 cases while maintaining a 95% success rate. Clients speak directly with an attorney from the first call through resolution.

Pennsylvania’s wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Missing that deadline can, in virtually all cases, permanently bar the claim. If you’ve lost a family member, a free consultation with a Scranton wrongful death attorney can clarify your options before that window closes.

Schedule a free initial in-person or virtual consultation with a Scranton wrongful death attorney at (570) 712-5545 or by contacting us online. Hablamos español.

How ACA Law Handles Wrongful Death Claims

Our goal is to take the legal burden off your family so you can focus on one another. From the moment we take your case, we move quickly to build it.

Our approach includes:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death
• Identifying all responsible parties and applicable insurance coverage
• Preserving evidence and coordinating with qualified experts, including economists, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists when necessary
• Handling all communication with insurance companies and defense counsel
• Pursuing fair compensation through negotiation or, when a fair resolution can’t be reached, taking the case to court

Cases for Scranton-area families are filed in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers, and that trial readiness strengthens our negotiating position with insurance carriers at every stage.

Incidents That Can Give Rise to a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim is available when the deceased could have brought a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. Fatal incidents that may support a claim include:

Vehicle accidents

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

Other common causes

• Workplace and construction site accidents
• Dangerous property conditions and serious falls
• Defective or unsafe products
• Medical malpractice and nursing home neglect or abuse
• Acts of violence or reckless conduct

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of eligible beneficiaries, the surviving spouse, children, and parents. Pennsylvania doesn’t permit siblings to file a wrongful death claim.

If the personal representative doesn’t file within six months of the date of death, any eligible beneficiary may initiate the lawsuit independently. When no eligible spouse, child, or parent exists, a survival action brought by the personal representative of the estate may recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to had they lived. A survival action can also be pursued alongside a wrongful death claim when eligible beneficiaries do exist. Structuring these claims correctly requires careful attention to Pennsylvania’s procedural requirements from the start.