Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Legal Questions

There should be no federal tax on wrongful death claim. there may be an inheritance tax on any suvival claim.  there is some times a dispute concerning how the money is to be divided between wrongful death and survival.  Ask your lawyer what's holding up the decision. What is preventing a preliminary distribution. Usually a death claim requires court approval. the tax matter is ordinarily decided at that time.   I'm not providing legal advise.  My Practice is in Pa.  These are simply issues you can discuss with your lawyer. I frankly don't understand why you haven't talked to your lawyer about this.... Read Answer

It would be up to the prosecutor but they certainly could charge this if they can show the drinking caused the death. Steven F. Fairlie, Esq.Fairlie & Lippy, P.C.1501 Lower State Road, Suite 304North Wales, PA 19454voice: (215) 997-1000fax: (215) 997-1777steve@fairlielaw.netwww.fairlielaw.net  ... Read Answer

It sounds like you may have a potential medical malpractice case, although an attorney will have to find an expert who will support the proposition that a home health aide has an obligation to respond to a patient in your mother circumstances in an emergency fashion.  I am not certain that the standard of care would require this.  Additionally, as with all malpractice cases involving an elderly plaintiff with pre-existing health issues, there will be a question about whether or not the case is financially viable.  Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read Answer

All states impose on attorney's ethical duties with respect to communications with clients.  I would suggest you contact the attorney in writing with a deadline for contacting you to update you on the case.  Keep a copy of your written request.  If the attorney still fails to respond,  you can contact your state bar to make a bar complaint.  If you are sufficiently dissatisfied, you may terminate the attorney and hire someone else to take your case.... Read Answer