Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. When tragedy strikes, you deserve guidance from a compassionate advocate who understands both the legal and emotional weight of your situation. At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, every case is handled with dignity, respect, and relentless dedication to justice.
If your loss stems from a preventable accident, a Bensalem wrongful death accident lawyer can help you pursue the accountability and compensation your family needs. Drawing on over 100 years of combined experience, we are proud to be a trusted choice for anyone in need of a Bensalem personal injury lawyer. If you are facing the unimaginable, don’t navigate this journey alone.
Call Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC today for a free and confidential consultation and the support you deserve.
Lawrence Kalikhman, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University. Mr. Kalikhman received his Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law. He has experience in Personal Injury Litigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Mr. Kalikhman is admitted to practice before state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. He is a member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Bucks County Bar Associations, as well as the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.
Arkady “Eric” Rayz, Esquire is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Temple University. As an undergraduate, Mr. Rayz was a recipient of the H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Scholarship and Temple University President’s Scholar Award. Mr. Rayz obtained his Juris Doctorate from the James E. Beasley School of Law of Temple University, where he was a staff member and editor of the Temple International and Comparative Law Journal.
Mr. Rayz has broad experience in handling matters in federal and state courts and is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New York. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations.
When your family is coping with the loss of a loved one, choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, you are not just another case number. You are a family seeking justice, closure, and the resources to move forward.
Since our founding in 2005, our lawyers have helped thousands of clients recover tens of millions of dollars. That history matters, but what truly sets us apart is how we treat the people who put their trust in us. We take your injury personally, and we handle every case with dignity, respect, and relentless determination.
When you work with us, you will receive personal attention at every step. We answer your questions honestly, explain your options clearly, and stand by your side throughout the process. We also know how insurance companies operate, and our lawyers push back against their tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We believe in arming our clients with knowledge and giving them the strength to make informed choices.
If your family has lost someone because of negligence, let us stand with you. With Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, you will have compassionate advocates who are committed to seeking justice on your behalf.
When a loved one’s life is cut short because of another person’s negligence, Pennsylvania provides a way for families to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. These cases are civil in nature, which means they focus on securing compensation and accountability—not criminal penalties. While the outcome of a criminal trial may impact your case, a wrongful death claim stands on its own, giving families a path to pursue justice even if criminal charges are never filed.
Our lawyers have seen wrongful death claims arise from many different types of accidents. Regardless of the cause, the common thread is that someone’s careless or reckless actions changed your family forever. At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, we believe these claims are about more than money—they are about holding wrongdoers accountable and helping families find the closure and stability they deserve.
Not every family member has the legal authority to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania. Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8301, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate—often named in a will or appointed by the court—must bring the action on behalf of the eligible beneficiaries. If the personal representative does not file within six months of the death, the right passes to the beneficiaries themselves.
Eligible beneficiaries include the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. These are the only family members who may recover damages in a wrongful death action. Other relatives, such as siblings or cousins, cannot file or share in the recovery unless they can show legal dependency as defined under Pennsylvania law.
Because these rules are specific and time-sensitive, disputes among family members can sometimes arise. Our Bensalem, PA wrongful death attorneys guide you through these statutory requirements, ensure the claim is filed properly, and work to protect the rights of every eligible beneficiary. With our help, you can focus on grieving and healing while we handle the legal complexities.
Wrongful death claims may arise from many different circumstances, but in communities like Bensalem, PA, certain causes are more common. With major highways such as I-95, Route 1, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike running through the area, serious crashes unfortunately occur far too often. Families may lose loved ones in a car accident, commercial truck crash, motorcycle crash, or pedestrian accident that results from negligence on the road.
Bensalem also has a wide variety of commercial properties, apartment complexes, and retail spaces. When property owners fail to address dangerous conditions—such as icy walkways, poor lighting, or unsafe structures—fatal slip-and-fall accidents may occur. These incidents may give rise to wrongful death claims under Pennsylvania premises liability law.
Our lawyers at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC understand the local realities families face in Bensalem and across Bucks County. By applying our knowledge of both motor vehicle accident law and premises liability principles, we may help families explore the best path toward accountability and compensation after a devastating loss.
For a wrongful death claim to succeed in Pennsylvania, families generally must show that another party’s negligence caused their loved one’s passing. Negligence is a legal concept that describes when someone fails to act with the care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. Our attorneys must establish the following elements in a claim:
Our lawyers at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC may gather evidence such as accident reports, witness testimony, medical records, and expert opinions to help establish these elements. By building a strong foundation, we may help families pursue the accountability they deserve.
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When a family loses a loved one, no amount of money can replace that loss. Still, Pennsylvania law recognizes that families face very real financial and emotional burdens after a wrongful death. A claim allows survivors to pursue compensation that provides stability and holds the at-fault party accountable.
Beneficiaries may recover damages for expenses directly related to the death, including:
Beyond financial losses, the law also permits recovery for the loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased provided to family members. These non-economic damages recognize the profound human cost of a wrongful death.
At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, our Bensalem wrongful death accident lawyers carefully evaluate claims to ensure that your family pursues the maximum compensation available under the law. We handle the legal details with diligence and compassion so you can focus on honoring your loved one and finding a path forward.
In addition to a wrongful death claim, Pennsylvania law also allows for a related claim known as a survival action. Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8302, this type of action continues the legal rights the deceased would have had if they had survived the accident.
Unlike wrongful death damages, which are paid directly to surviving family members, compensation from a survival action becomes part of the deceased’s estate. These funds are then distributed according to the will or, if no will exists, under Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws.
Together, wrongful death and survival actions may provide families with a more complete path to accountability and financial recovery. Because these matters can be quite complicated, our team is here to help you determine the right course of action for your family.
Compensation in a wrongful death case depends on the unique circumstances of each situation. Pennsylvania law does not provide a set formula, but certain factors may be considered when determining damages. These can include the deceased person’s age, health, earning capacity, and the financial and emotional support they provided to their family.
In some cases, lawyers may consult with experts like economists or medical professionals to show how the loss will affect a family over time. While results vary, understanding these factors may help families see how compensation is assessed in wrongful death claims.
The aftermath of a wrongful death is about more than paperwork and legal filings. Families are often coping with overwhelming grief, uncertainty, and financial strain. At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, we understand that meaningful representation involves more than building a strong case—it also means supporting people through one of the hardest experiences of their lives.
Navigating a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. While every case is unique, families may expect certain steps to occur as their claim moves forward.
Our lawyers are committed to treating every client with dignity and respect. We provide clear communication so you always know what to expect, and we make it a priority to explain your options in plain language. Many families tell us that this approach gives them peace of mind and allows them to feel confident in the decisions they make.
By pairing compassionate care with diligent legal work, we strive to stand by families not only as advocates in the courtroom, but also as trusted partners during a very difficult chapter.
When a wrongful death occurs, families often find themselves dealing with insurance companies that are more concerned with protecting profits than supporting survivors. While insurers may appear sympathetic at first, their goal is usually to minimize payouts.
Insurance adjusters may use several tactics to reduce what they owe, such as:
These strategies can be frustrating and may feel like an additional burden during an already difficult time. Having our firm by your side may help balance the scales. Our lawyers understand how insurers approach these cases, and we are prepared to push back against unfair tactics.
While no attorney can guarantee results, knowledgeable legal representation may improve your ability to secure a settlement or judgment that more accurately reflects the magnitude of your family’s loss.
Like all legal claims, wrongful death actions in Pennsylvania are subject to deadlines known as statutes of limitations. These laws establish how long a family may have to file a claim after losing a loved one.
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2), wrongful death actions generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. However, certain circumstances may affect when the clock starts or whether exceptions apply. For example, issues involving minors or delayed discovery of negligence could potentially impact the filing timeline.
Because these rules can be complex, families may benefit from speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after a loss. Consulting a lawyer early may help preserve evidence, avoid missed deadlines, and ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence is a life-changing event, and no amount of compensation can ever truly make a family whole again. Still, the law provides a way to pursue accountability, protect your financial future, and honor the memory of the person you lost. At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, our Bensalem wrongful death lawyers are here to guide families in Bensalem and across Pennsylvania with compassion, honesty, and determination.
We know how difficult this time can be, and we are committed to treating every client with dignity and respect. If your family is facing the unimaginable, we invite you to reach out for a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC — We Take Your Injury Personally.
There is no true “average” wrongful death settlement in Pennsylvania because every case depends on its own facts. Factors that may influence compensation include the age and health of the deceased, lost wages and benefits, the extent of medical and funeral expenses, and the impact on surviving family members. Consulting with an attorney may help you understand what damages might be available in your situation.
The chances of success in a wrongful death case vary widely. Outcomes often depend on the strength of the evidence, the circumstances of the death, the parties involved, and how liability is established. While no lawyer can predict or guarantee results, our team focuses on presenting strong claims and protecting the rights of family members during negotiations or litigation.
Evidence in a wrongful death case may include accident reports, medical records, photographs, witness testimony, and expert opinions. Financial records such as pay stubs or tax returns may also help demonstrate the economic impact of the loss. The specific evidence that may be admitted depends on the facts of the case and the rules of evidence in Pennsylvania courts. A wrongful death accident attorney with Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC can help identify, preserve, and present the most relevant materials to support the claim.
