Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. In the midst of grief, you may be facing medical bills, funeral expenses, and uncertainty about your future. Working with a Bethlehem wrongful death attorney can help you better understand your rights and the options available under Pennsylvania law.
At Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC, our team approaches every case with care, strength, and dedication. As trusted Bethlehem personal injury attorneys, we stand up to insurance companies and pursue accountability while treating your family with the respect you deserve. Contact our team for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family during this difficult time.
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 a loved one’s life is cut short because of someone else’s negligence, families are left not only grieving, but also facing sudden financial uncertainty. Pennsylvania law allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the losses caused by a preventable death.
In many cases, there are actually two related claims. A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members. A related survival claim allows the estate to pursue compensation for the harm your loved one experienced before passing.
These claims are often brought together to ensure that the full impact of the loss is properly addressed. A Bethlehem wrongful death attorney can help you understand whether your family may have grounds to pursue a claim and what that process could involve.
Taking the first step after losing a loved one can feel overwhelming. When you contact our firm, your conversation will be handled with care, respect, and confidentiality. A Bethlehem wrongful death attorney from our team will listen to your concerns, ask questions to better understand what happened, and explain the general legal options that may be available to your family.
If we move forward together, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the case, identify potentially responsible parties, and gather the documentation needed to support your claim. Wrongful death cases often involve complex legal and financial issues, and we prepare each case carefully for meaningful settlement discussions while remaining ready to litigate when necessary.
We believe families deserve clear communication during difficult times. We explain each stage of the process in straightforward terms and keep you informed as your case progresses. Our 24/7 live answering service ensures that you can reach our team whenever questions arise.
During an incredibly difficult period, you deserve experienced guidance and compassionate advocacy. Our team is here to help you understand your options and move forward with strength and dignity. Call us now to get started.
Fatal accidents can occur in an instant, but the consequences last a lifetime. In Bethlehem and throughout the Lehigh Valley, wrongful death cases often arise from preventable incidents caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or reckless behavior. A Bethlehem wrongful death attorney investigates not only how a fatal incident occurred, but why it happened — and who should be held legally responsible.
Serious and fatal crashes frequently occur along heavily traveled roadways such as Route 22, Interstate 78, and Route 378. High speeds, distracted driving, impaired driving, and commercial truck traffic can create dangerous conditions. When drivers fail to follow traffic laws or operate their vehicles responsibly, the results can be devastating for families. Our Bethlehem car accident attorneys understand how to investigate fatal collisions and identify all potentially responsible parties.
Bethlehem’s proximity to major shipping routes and industrial corridors means large commercial trucks regularly travel through the area. These cases can be especially complex, often involving trucking companies, corporate insurers, maintenance contractors, and multiple layers of liability. Prompt investigation is critical to preserve driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records before evidence disappears. Our Bethlehem truck accident attorneys are well-equipped to take on these companies and fight for justice.
Downtown Bethlehem, residential neighborhoods, and areas near Lehigh University see steady foot and bicycle traffic. When motorists fail to yield, speed through intersections, or drive while distracted, pedestrians and cyclists are left especially vulnerable to catastrophic injuries.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. Fatal injuries may result from unsafe stairways, inadequate security, dangerous structural conditions, or other hazardous property defects. Establishing liability in these cases often requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Our Bethlehem slip and fall attorneys carefully evaluate these claims to determine whether preventable negligence led to a fatal outcome.
No financial recovery can undo your loss, but it can help with the profound financial and personal impact of a preventable death. A Bethlehem wrongful death attorney at our firm works to ensure every category of loss is carefully evaluated and supported with strong evidence. Eligible family members may seek compensation for:
The estate can also recover damages for the pain and suffering and lost earnings experienced before death.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize these losses, dispute earning capacity, or shift blame to reduce payouts. We prepare every case thoroughly — gathering evidence, consulting financial and medical experts when necessary, and building a claim that reflects the full scope of your family’s loss.
With more than 100 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered, we are skilled negotiators and experienced litigators who stand up to insurance companies while providing personalized, compassionate support.
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence changes a family forever. While no legal action can replace what you have lost, pursuing accountability can provide financial stability and a sense of justice during an incredibly difficult time. A Bethlehem wrongful death attorney at Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC can help your family understand your rights, evaluate your options, and navigate the legal process with clarity and care.
Call for a free consultation and discuss how we can support your family during this challenging time.
In Pennsylvania, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a claim is not filed within this time frame, families may lose the ability to pursue compensation.
There can be limited exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the loss, but do not wait to act. Speaking with a Bethlehem wrongful death attorney as soon as possible can help ensure important deadlines are properly evaluated and preserved.
Not necessarily. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiated settlements with insurance companies before trial. However, when insurers dispute liability, minimize damages, or refuse to offer fair compensation, litigation may become necessary.
Our Bethlehem wrongful death attorneys prepare every case thoroughly so that they are ready to advocate in court if needed, while also pursuing meaningful settlement discussions when appropriate.
Many wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means families generally do not pay upfront legal fees. Instead, attorney’s fees are typically paid as a percentage of any financial recovery obtained through settlement or verdict. If no recovery is obtained, attorney’s fees are usually not owed.
During a free consultation, families can ask questions about fees, costs, and how the process works so they can make an informed decision before moving forward.
