Wrongful Death Lawyer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Losing a loved one to a fatal workplace accident is devastating. If your family member died on the job in Philadelphia, attorney Michael Cardamone — a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist with 10 consecutive years of Super Lawyers selection — helps families pursue workers' compensation death benefits and works with heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues on any third-party wrongful death claim.
Fatal Workplace Accidents in Philadelphia
When a loved one dies on the job, surviving families have rights under Pennsylvania law. Leading causes of fatal workplace accidents include:
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Supporting Philadelphia Families After a Workplace Death
Philadelphia's construction sites, warehouses, factories, transportation hubs, and healthcare facilities see fatal accidents every year — falls from heights, struck-by incidents, crane and equipment failures, electrocutions, and vehicle crashes. When a worker dies on the job, Pennsylvania law provides death benefits to surviving spouses, children, and dependents, regardless of who was at fault.
Many fatal workplace accidents involve more than one responsible party. Michael Cardamone, a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist, handles the Pennsylvania workers' compensation death-benefit claim (fatal claim petition) directly. When a third party — a general contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver — caused the death, the third-party wrongful death case is pursued together with our heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues. Wrongful death matters that are not connected to a workplace are referred to those Personal Injury colleagues so your family still gets experienced help.
Areas We Serve Near Philadelphia
Philadelphia office at 2016 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
A Fatal Work Accident in Philadelphia May Involve TWO Claims
Surviving families are often entitled to workers' compensation death benefits, and when a third party caused the death, a separate wrongful death claim — together maximizing the family's recovery.
1. Workers' Comp Death Benefits
No-fault death benefits for surviving spouses, children, and dependents — a portion of the worker's wages plus funeral expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
Handled directly by a Certified Workers' Comp Specialist
2. Third-Party Wrongful Death
If a contractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or negligent driver caused the death, the family may recover full wrongful death damages.
Pursued with heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues
We focus on work-related deaths. If a death is not connected to a workplace, we refer the wrongful death matter to our respected Personal Injury colleagues so your family still receives experienced representation.
Philadelphia Wrongful Death FAQs
Who can receive workers' compensation death benefits in Philadelphia?
Surviving spouses, dependent children, and certain other dependents may receive Pennsylvania workers' compensation death benefits when a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness. Benefits include a portion of the worker's wages plus reasonable funeral expenses. Attorney Michael Cardamone, a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist, handles these fatal claim petitions.
Is a workplace death claim different from a wrongful death lawsuit?
Yes. A workers' compensation death-benefit claim is filed against the employer's insurer and is no-fault. A wrongful death lawsuit is a separate third-party claim against a negligent party other than the employer. We handle the workers' comp side directly and pursue the third-party wrongful death case with our heavyweight Personal Injury colleagues.
What if the death was not work-related?
We focus on work-related deaths. If your loved one's death was not connected to a workplace, we refer the wrongful death matter to our respected Personal Injury colleagues so your family still receives experienced representation. Consultations are always free.
Lost a Loved One on the Job in Philadelphia? We Can Help
Compassionate, confidential guidance. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Available 24/7.