Pittsburgh
Wrongful Death Lawyer

On This Page

1. Standing Beside Pittsburgh Families After a Devastating Loss
2. How Pennsylvania Law Protects Families After a Wrongful Death
3. Building the Foundation of Your Wrongful Death Case
4. Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
5. Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Review

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2026

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. During a time when everything feels overwhelming, you deserve guidance you can trust. At Berger and Green, our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers bring more than 40 years of experience to families facing devastating loss. Our firm has helped tens of thousands of clients navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives.

From the start, our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers focus on compassion, clear communication, and steady support. We take on the legal burden for your family, protect your rights, and pursue the recovery you need to move forward. With home or hospital visits available and no upfront fees required, we make it easier to get the help you need when you need it most. Call now for help.

Standing Beside Pittsburgh Families After a Devastating Loss

When your family is grieving a wrongful death, having the right legal team matters. For more than 40 years, families throughout Pittsburgh have trusted Berger and Green for steady support, compassionate guidance, and strong advocacy during the most difficult times. Our lawyers are known for:

• Decades of experience handling complex wrongful death cases
• Personalized support, including home or hospital visits when needed
• Clear and consistent communication so you always know what’s happening with your case
• A client-first approach focused on protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation your family needs
• No upfront fees, with payment only if we make a successful financial recovery for you

We’re here to shoulder the legal weight so your family can focus on supporting one another during this painful time.

How Pennsylvania Law Protects Families After a Wrongful Death

A wrongful death happens when someone’s life is cut short because another person or company acted carelessly, recklessly, or failed to take reasonable steps to keep others safe. These tragedies often stem from events like motor vehicle crashes, unsafe property conditions, medical malpractice, or dangerous products. Whatever the circumstances, the law gives families a way to seek accountability and financial support during an incredibly painful time.
Pennsylvania’s wrongful death law, 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8301, explains who can bring this type of claim and who may receive compensation. The personal representative of your loved one’s estate files the action, but the recovery is ordinarily meant for the family members most affected by the loss, known as beneficiaries–such as a spouse, children, or parents. In circumstances where no beneficiary exists, the personal representative may bring an action to recover damages for reasonable hospital, nursing, medical, funeral, and administration expenses. This law exists to help protect families from the financial impact of a sudden loss and to honor the role your loved one had in your life.
We know this can feel like an overwhelming process, especially when you’re grieving. Our Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyers walk you through each step with compassion, care, and a commitment to making the legal side of things as manageable as possible.

Building the Foundation of Your Wrongful Death Case

A strong wrongful death case is built on clear evidence, a direct link between someone’s negligent actions and your loved one’s passing, and documentation that shows how the loss has affected your family. 
To move forward with a wrongful death claim, the law requires proof that another person or company acted in a way that directly caused the death. This often involves showing:

• A duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely or reasonably.
• A breach of that duty: They failed to uphold that obligation through careless, reckless, or intentional behavior.
• Causation: The negligent party’s actions directly led to the fatal injury.
• Damages: The death resulted in real financial and emotional harm to your family 

These elements form the legal foundation of a successful wrongful death case.

Why Early Action Helps Protect Your Case

Although it can feel difficult to think about legal issues while grieving, reaching out sooner can help protect your family’s rights. Early action allows your legal team to:

• Preserve key evidence before it fades or disappears
• Speak with witnesses while memories are still clear
• Stay ahead of important legal deadlines
• Build a more complete and accurate picture of what happened

Taking these steps early on can strengthen your case — and give you space to focus on your family.

Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death and Survival Actions

After losing a loved one, it can be difficult to think about legal deadlines. Still, Pennsylvania has strict rules about when these cases must be filed. Understanding these timelines can help protect your family’s right to pursue compensation.
Pittsburgh families may have two separate legal claims after a wrongful death: a wrongful death action and a survival action. Although they are related, the deadlines for filing them do not always start on the same day.

Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death action seeks compensation for the losses your family suffered because of your loved one’s passing. These damages can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Hospital, nursing, and medical expenses 
• Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
• Loss of financial support your loved one would have provided

Under Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the case is filed after this deadline, the court may dismiss it—even if the evidence is strong.

Survival Actions

A survival action allows the estate to recover damages your loved one could have pursued had they survived, such as:

• Pain and suffering experienced before death
• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Lost wages during the period between injury and death

Unlike wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations for survival actions usually begins on the date of the injury, not the date of death. In many cases, these two dates are the same—but not always. When they differ, the survival claim’s deadline may arrive sooner.
There are rare circumstances—such as cases involving minors or situations where the cause of death wasn’t immediately known—that may affect how the statute of limitations applies. These situations are highly fact-specific, and your lawyer can explain how the rules apply to your case.

Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Review

Losing someone you love changes everything. While no amount of compensation can make that pain disappear, getting answers and support can help your family take the next steps forward. When you reach out to Berger and Green, a Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer from our team will listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you with compassion and clarity.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our lawyers are here to help your family pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve, and we do it with no upfront fees. To talk with someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you get started, contact Berger and Green for a free case review today.