On November 4, 2022, it was reported that a car accident on Route 22 in Salem Township, Pennsylvania resulted in a death. The car crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. The accident caused the closure of the westbound lanes for several hours.
Car accident cases that result in a death are perhaps the most serious cases our personal injury team handles. These cases are tragic and it is critical to handle them with diligence. Our attorneys understand the dynamics of these types of cases and whether or not there is a Wrongful Death Claim or a Survival Action.
A Wrongful Death claim can be brought when someone is killed as a result of negligence. These claims are brought by the deceased person’s family; including their spouse, children, or parents. In a Wrongful Death case, the family is seeking compensation for the loss they experienced.
A Survival Action is brought by the deceased person’s estate. This claim is based on what compensation the deceased person could have received had they survived. Compensation can include pain and suffering and loss of earnings.
An important difference between a Wrongful Death case and a Survival Action is that the proceeds of a Survival Action will go through the deceased person’s estate and are typically subject to inheritance tax. The proceeds of a Wrongful Death case will be distributed directly to the beneficiaries pursuant to Pennsylvania law and will not be subject to inheritance tax.
If you have any questions regarding Wrongful Death case or Survival Actions, you can call Bononi and Company at 724-832-2499, text us at 724-858-2744, or schedule an appointment at our Greensburg office, Latrobe office, or Johnstown office. Our team provides free consultations and evaluations for all personal injury claims.