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Erie Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Wrongful Death Recoveries

Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Victims

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Navigating Justice After a Wrongful Death in Erie, PA

Life in Erie is shaped by our unique environment, from the beauty of Presque Isle to the harsh realities of a lake-effect snowstorm on I-90. We understand risk and resilience. But when a death is caused not by nature, but by someone’s failure to account for known risks—like a trucker driving too fast for the weather or an industrial plant ignoring safety rules—it is a preventable tragedy.

The wrongful death lawyers at The Killino Firm have the experience to handle cases involving Erie’s specific challenges. We investigate how negligence, combined with our region’s unique conditions, leads to devastating losses.

Proving Negligence in Erie's Unique Environment

A wrongful death claim in Erie often requires proving that the at-fault party was negligent in the context of our environment. This means showing they failed to exercise the level of caution that Erie’s known conditions demand. A driver on a snowy I-90 has a higher duty of care than a driver on a clear day. A company operating at the Port of Erie must account for weather-related hazards. When they fail, they are responsible.

Comprehensive Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Guide

View The Guide

Common Wrongful Death Scenarios in Erie County

  • I-90 Trucking Accidents: The combination of heavy commercial traffic and severe winter weather makes I-90 a high-risk corridor. Our lawyers immediately act to preserve evidence like “black box” data and driver logs to prove a trucking company was negligent, often by pushing their drivers to violate safety rules in dangerous conditions.
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Accidents: Erie’s strong manufacturing sector presents risks. We handle cases involving defective machinery, exposure to toxic chemicals, and other industrial accidents, investigating whether a third party—like an equipment manufacturer—can be held liable.
  • Medical Malpractice Claims: When a preventable medical error leads to a death, our team, which includes medical professionals, will conduct a forensic review of the records to find the mistakes and prove they caused the tragic outcome.

Who Can File the Lawsuit?

Pennsylvania law requires the “personal representative” of the estate to file the wrongful death lawsuit. This is either the “executor” named in a will or a family member appointed as the “administrator” by the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Our lawyers help with this entire process, ensuring the family has a legal voice to pursue justice.

What Compensation Can a Family Recover?

A wrongful death lawsuit aims to provide financial security for the family’s future. It combines a Survival Action for the victim’s pain and suffering with a Wrongful Death Claim for the family’s financial losses (lost income, funeral costs) and the profound human loss of love and companionship. Our goal is to secure a recovery that reflects the full impact of the tragedy.

Erie's Premier Trauma Center Where Critical Injuries Are Treated

  • UPMC Hamot: Serving as the lead agency for trauma care in the region, UPMC Hamot is a state-accredited Level I Trauma Center, equipped with the advanced capabilities needed to treat the most life-threatening injuries.
  • Allegheny Health Network’s Saint Vincent Hospital: While UPMC Hamot is the designated trauma center, Saint Vincent Hospital also provides critical emergency care for thousands of patients in the Erie community each year.

Finding Shelter in the Storm: Grief Support Resources in Erie

Most Common Questions for a Wrongful Death Lawyer

No. The other party’s insurance company is not your friend. Their goal is to get a recorded statement to use against you or to offer a quick, lowball settlement. You should never speak to them without first consulting our wrongful death lawyers.

A key part of our investigation is looking into the company’s culture. We investigate their maintenance records, hiring practices, and whether they pressured the driver to violate federal safety rules. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers can often hold both the driver and the company accountable.

The value of a stay-at-home parent is immense. Our team of wrongful death lawyers works with forensic economists to calculate the monetary value of all the services they provided: childcare, household management, and so much more. We also fight for the immeasurable loss of their love and guidance.

Wrongful death cases are incredibly complex. The investigation phase, where your wrongful death lawyer gathers evidence and works with experts, can take many months. Defendants and their insurance companies often use delay tactics. Our priority is to be thorough and build an unshakeable case for the best possible result, however long it takes.

The most important first step is to contact our team of wrongful death lawyers. The two-year deadline to file a claim in Pennsylvania is absolute, and evidence can disappear quickly. A consultation with a wrongful death lawyer near me allows you to get answers and have a team of experienced professionals begin the fight for justice on your behalf.

Practice Areas
Birth Injury
Child Injury
Commercial Vehicle Accident
NICU Law
Wrongful Death
Other Practice Areas

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Testimonials

K

Keri S

1 year ago

Google
An absolutely amazing lawyer, & staff. Everyone met me at a personal level, & a professional level. I’d give them 10 stars if I could.

C

Courtney S

1 year ago

Google
We contacted this firm when our son suffered a birth injury. They listened to our potential case and took us on. They helped us all the way through the process, always took my calls and questions. Killino is very passionate about his work and it felt like he was upset for our son like he was his own child. The paralegal, Kayla, was always on top of things and helpful. The whole firm that we worked with really did their best for us and now we have what we need to care for our son. We couldn’t be more grateful.

R

Reggie B

1 year ago

Google
Jeff and his team at Killino Law Firm are truly exceptional! They took on my daughter’s challenging case when no one else would, and their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. Thanks to their amazing work, we can now take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. Jeff handled everything with professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. If you’re in need of a personal injury & accident lawyer, look no further—Jeff is your guy. I can’t recommend him and his exceptional team enough!

C

Corey E

2 years ago

Google
The Killino firm is an excellent firm that tirelessly advocates on behalf of their clients. I’ve come across a lot of great personal injury attorneys in my time and simply put, Killino is the best.

J

Jeanne Y

2 years ago

Google
Since day one I called the Killino firm, I was heard and taken care with respect. I very much thank Jeff for his proffesionalism and commitment. some days I’d email him in the middle of the night and exepct a response within an hour. They went beyond our spectactions. He did as promised. my husband and I are grateful for working with you. I’d 100% recommend this firm!!!  thank you Jeff and the team

T

Trisha H

4 years ago

Google
My sisters and I are so very grateful for The Killino Firm. They worked tirelessly for over three years on our case, were very attentive and kept us updated every step of the way. Aside from being gifted at what they do, Jeff and Dawn are so caring and understanding. Every single person we were in contact with from the firm was professional and kind. We will always recommend this firm! We really can’t thank them enough.

M

Michaelene C

5 years ago

Google
Highly knowledgeable, listened to my concerns, gave wonderful advice and took a genuine interest in my case. Absolutely the best lawyers and firm around. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for competent lawyers to handle their case no matter how complicated.

R

Rhonda L

5 years ago

Google
They helped me get through a terrible situation they were relentless for fighting on my behalf and because of there hard work my situation was resolved very favorable for me and my family I can’t thank them enough if you need help call them first you won’t be sorry

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