Jenkintown Wrongful Death Lawyers

Find Trusted Jenkintown Wrongful Death Lawyers for Fatal Accident Claims

Located just north of Philadelphia, Jenkintown is a small town with a big history. Although the 2020 census recorded fewer than 5,000 total Jenkintown residents, many people travel through the area daily for work, school, business, or recreational activities.

Several types of fatal accidents occur in Montgomery County and Pennsylvania each year. These include car accidents, bicyclist and pedestrian collisions, work-related fatal accidents, and falls. Other types of deadly accidents, including drowning and unintentional poisoning, can also occur.

If you’ve lost a loved one who suffered serious injuries that led to their unexpected death, speak to the experienced Jenkintown wrongful death attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer today. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and secure the compensation your family deserves.

Common Types of Fatal Accidents in Jenkintown and Montgomery County

The most common types of fatal accidents nationwide include motor vehicle traffic deaths and falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2022, approximately 45,000 people in the US died in car accidents. Another 45,000 died from injuries suffered in a fall. 

Other types of accidents can prove deadly as well. If you lost a loved one and you suspect someone else’s negligence caused the harm, speak to an experienced Jenkintown wrongful death lawyer immediately.

Car Accidents

As of April 29, 2025, Montgomery County was the site of 33 fatal roadway accidents. These included sixteen car accidents and one vehicle fire that claimed a life.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recorded reports of 1,132 fatal car accidents, claiming around 1.209 lives. The agency estimates that on average, one in 10,721 Pennsylvanians suffers a fatal car accident injury each year. These numbers mean that someone dies in a Pennsylvania car crash about once every seven hours. 

PennDOT estimates that fatal car accidents cost Pennsylvanians $2,390 per person per year. These costs are not distributed evenly, however. Rather, the families of those killed in traffic accidents bear the financial and emotional costs. 

Pedestrian, Bicyclist, and Motorcyclist Accidents

2023 was a record year for pedestrian deaths in Philadelphia. Pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist deaths have also increased on Pennsylvania roads in recent years. 

According to PennDOT, 238 motorcyclists, 186 pedestrians, and 27 bicyclists died on local roads in 2023. 

As of April 29, 2025, five of the 33 roadway deaths recorded in Montgomery County were motorcyclist fatalities. Nine of these deaths were pedestrians, including one pedestrian death in Jenkintown. Two bicyclists had died in Montgomery County crashes as of April 29.

A recent news report by Montco. today reported that several of Pennsylvania’s most dangerous roads travel through Montgomery County. These include Route 611 and Route 309. 

Workplace Accidents

Unfortunately, any workplace can be the site of a fatal accident. Industries like manufacturing and construction continue to see higher-than-average rates of death at work. Records from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that 169 people died in Pennsylvania in 2023 due to work-related injuries. These included:

• 30 deaths in work-related transportation accidents.
• 25 deaths in work-related trips, slips, and falls.
• 14 deaths from being hit, trapped, or pinned by equipment.
• 14 deaths from violence in the workplace.

After a work-related fatal injury, a wrongful death claim can be started by a family member. It’s best to speak with an experienced attorney who knows the law in Philly and can help navigate the wrongful death claim process. 

Injured in a Philadelphia Slip and Fall? Here’s What Premises Liability Means for You

Unintentional falls caused 44,630 deaths nationwide in 2022, according to the CDC. They are also a leading cause of death among elderly Americans. However, a serious fall and unfortunate death can happen at any age. 

Businesses throughout Pennsylvania, including those in Jenkintown, are legally required to keep their properties safe for customers and guests. If there’s a hidden danger, like a wet floor, broken step, or faulty handrail, businesses must either fix it promptly or clearly warn people about the risk. When local businesses overlook these responsibilities, serious or fatal accidents can happen.

In Jenkintown, some of the most common hazards leading to deadly slips, trips, and falls include cracked or uneven walkways, liquid spills that aren’t cleaned up, poor lighting in parking lots or hallways, missing safety railings, and unstable furniture. Simply put, when businesses don’t pay attention to these details, the consequences for visitors can be life-changing.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania allows a surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased person to file a wrongful death claim. The wrongful death claim seeks compensation for losses related to the death. It also seeks compensation for losses suffered by the survivors. 

If the deceased person had no surviving spouse, child, or parent, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file the claim instead. The personal representative files the claim on behalf of the estate. The estate is then distributed according to the terms in the deceased person’s estate plan. If there is no estate plan, the estate is distributed according to the default rules provided in Pennsylvania law. 

If a slip and fall accident or other incident claimed your loved one’s life, speak to an experienced Jenkintown wrongful death attorney today. At MyPhillyLawyer, we are here to help you navigate this challenging and complex process. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Jenkintown Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of death. A claim that is not filed within two years is considered expired.

Pennsylvania distinguishes between a wrongful death claim and a survival action. A survival action seeks damages for certain losses the deceased person may have suffered between the moment of injury and their death. For instance, a survival action may seek damages for physical pain and suffering. 

Sometimes there are exceptions to the two-year limit, but it’s best to discuss your situation with an attorney. They can evaluate the circumstances and determine the best course of action.

Types of Compensation For A Wrongful Death That Occurred in Jenkintown

A survival action can also seek damages for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before passing. Because every relationship is unique, the types of compensation available can vary. Working with a dedicated attorney ensures you explore every option and fight for the full, fair compensation your family deserves.

• A personal injury claim allows an injured person to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. When an injury claims a life, however, the injured person cannot seek compensation. Instead, surviving family members or the estate’s personal representative file a wrongful death claim. 
• A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in Philly, you may be entitled to much more than just basic compensation. Surviving family members or the estate can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral and burial expenses, as well as damages for the loss of your loved one’s companionship, care, and support. 

Can I File a Wrongful Death Case if a Criminal Case Has Also Been Filed?

A wrongful death claim is a civil case. It seeks to compensate survivors for the death. Its goals are different from criminal cases. 

Both a criminal case and a civil case for wrongful death can proceed at the same time. Since these two cases can affect one another, it’s wise to work with an experienced personal injury attorney for your wrongful death claim. 

Contact us today to discuss your situation and start the wrongful death claim process. There are time limits, and it’s best to take action as soon as you can. We are here to help you through this difficult and emotional time. 

Reach Out To A Dedicated Jenkintown Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Don’t face this difficult time alone. If you’ve lost someone you love because of someone else’s careless actions, you deserve answers, accountability, and justice. Contact a dedicated Jenkintown wrongful death attorney at MyPhillyLawyer today. 

We’re here to listen to your story, guide you through your options, and fight relentlessly for the compensation and closure your family needs to move forward. Your next step toward healing starts with a single call to MyPhillyLawyer; let us stand with you.