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Can Families File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Homicide in Philadelphia?

Helping Families Fight for Justice

Yes, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit after a homicide in Philadelphia, and in many cases, the story doesn’t end with the person who committed the crime.

That’s usually the first surprise. People tend to think the legal process stops with the criminal case, but civil law opens another door, one that looks at the bigger picture.

This often includes third-party liability for violent crimes. Simply put, it asks whether someone else, like a landlord, bar owner, or property manager, failed to take basic steps that could’ve reduced the risk.

It’s not about spreading blame for the sake of it. It’s about accountability when preventable dangers get ignored.

Can Families File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Homicide in Philadelphia?

Civil Justice Vs. Criminal Prosecution After a Philadelphia Homicide

Civil justice for crime victims operates alongside the criminal system, not behind it, and families are allowed to pursue both. A criminal case is about punishment by the state. A civil suit for murder, on the other hand, is about the family seeking compensation and answers on their own terms.

The legal standards are also very different, and that difference matters. Criminal prosecutors have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high threshold.

In civil courts, the burden of proof in civil cases is lower, usually meaning it’s more likely than not that the claim is true. That shift alone can change the outcome. It’s worth noting that Philadelphia sees hundreds of homicides each year, and not all of them lead to convictions.

Civil claims can still move forward in those situations.

Negligent Security and Third-Party Liability in Homicide Cases

Negligent security wrongful death cases come down to a simple idea: whether someone failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a foreseeable crime. If a property owner knew about prior incidents and didn’t act, that inaction can become part of a wrongful death case.

Third-party liability for violent crime doesn’t mean the business or landlord caused the act.

It means their failure to address known risks may have created the conditions where it could happen. That distinction is important, and it’s where a lot of these cases take shape.

Some issues that show up again and again include the following, and when these patterns are overlooked, it’s hard to argue the premises risk wasn’t predictable:

  • Faulty or missing surveillance cameras
  • Insufficient lighting in known risk areas
  • Lack of security despite a history of problems
  • Ignored prior complaints
  • Broken or missing locks, gates, or access points

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The Survival Act: Protecting the Decedent’s Estate and Rights

The Pennsylvania Survival Act allows a victim’s estate to pursue the claim the person could’ve brought if they had survived. That’s the core function. It’s separate from a wrongful death lawsuit after homicide, and it focuses on what the victim experienced before passing.

This type of claim shifts the focus a bit. Instead of just the family’s loss, it looks at the harm the individual endured. It often runs alongside the wrongful death case, and together, they tell a more complete story.

Damages under the Pennsylvania Survival Act can include:

  • Medical bills related to the final injury
  • Income that was lost between injury and death
  • The victim’s pain and suffering

How Philadelphia Crime Victim Lawyers Support Grieving Families

Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers step in to guide families through a process that’s both legal and deeply personal. That combination can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with loss. Having someone handle the legal side can make a real difference.

These attorneys don’t just file claims; they dig into the facts, identify where third-party liability for violent crime may exist, and build a case that reflects what actually happened.

They also deal with insurers and opposing counsel, which takes a lot off a family’s plate.

Their role often includes:

  • Investigating negligent security homicide claim issues
  • Coordinating expert analysis and evidence gathering
  • Calculating wrongful death damages for murder
  • Managing negotiations or court proceedings
  • Keeping families informed without adding pressure

It’s steady, behind-the-scenes work that supports the bigger goal.

Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, LLP Advocates for the Families of Wrongful Death Victims

Families can file a wrongful death lawsuit after a homicide in Philadelphia, and those cases often go beyond the individual who committed the act. Civil justice for crime victims creates a path to hold others accountable when their inaction played a role.

When negligent security homicide claim factors or third-party liability for violent crime come into focus, the case shifts toward prevention and responsibility.

It asks a simple question: could this have been avoided?

It’s not an easy process, and it’s not quick. But for many families, it’s a necessary step toward answers, accountability, and some measure of closure that the criminal system alone may not provide.

Contact us today, and let’s seek those answers and accountability together.

Learn About Who We Fight For

Victim’s of crime oftentimes do not realize that justice can be sought on both the criminal and civil side of the law. As former prosecutors we have the background, experience and knowledge to walk our clients through the criminal process, while at the same time representing them in a civil case.

Examples of cases include assaults in apartment complexes, negligent security cases, assaults at bars and nightclubs, physical abuse in schools, offices and day care centers, to name a few.

If you’ve been a victim of crime, we’re here to listen and advise. Schedule a free consultation today.

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