People throughout the state of Pennsylvania die as a result of a wide variety of incidents. When the death is due to the negligent actions of other people or entities, it is possible that a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against those people or entities.

A Pittsburgh area woman recently filed a wrongful death claim after her 31-year-old husband died while working at a sewage treatment plant in July 2010. He reportedly fell after losing consciousness as a result of fumes that were toxic. The 20 foot drop to the concrete floor below caused his death.

The man's wife named a variety of individuals and entities as defendants in the lawsuit, including two workers who tried to rescue the man, plant contractors, Sewickley Wastewater Treatment Plant and an official working at the plant. She alleged that the individuals at the plant failed to recognize the dangers associated with the gases, ultimately leading to her husband's death.

Interestingly, the workers who attempted to save the man had to stop after they too were affected by the toxic fumes.

Though it is not clear if it is the case in this instance, often when a person in their 30s dies they leave behind a family for which they have been providing financial support. The financial dependence on the deceased person makes what is an emotionally trying period even more difficult to work through. While filing a wrongful death lawsuit will not undo a fatal accident, it may provide the financial stability necessary to be able for those left behind to begin to rebuild.

Source: The Sacramento Bee, "Widow sues Pa. town, contractors in plant death," The Associated Press, Aug. 7, 2012