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Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers

You Heal.

We Handle the Rest.

Our team at McEldrew Purtell focuses on Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Cases in Pennsylvania and Nationwide and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and maximum recovery during our client’s time of need.

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When Tragedy Strikes, We Fight Back

We support our clients through every stage of recovery from catastrophic injury and wrongful death. We level the playing field to hold powerful people responsible for the damage they have caused and secure our clients’ future.

Over 230+ Years of
Combined Experience

Free Investigation,
No Charge Unless We Win

$100s of Millions
Recovered

Why Choose Us

At McEldrew Purtell, we fight for those devastated by catastrophic injury and wrongful death. When the worst happens, we stand with our clients, committed and compassionate.

Our mission is to deliver exceptional legal services to our clients by leveraging the expertise and creativity of our distinguished attorneys. We are committed to offering representation that is not only highly skilled and effective but also innovative, ensuring that we meet the unique needs and challenges of each case.

When everything is at stake, McEldrew Purtell is in your corner. We don’t settle for less. We fight because justice demands it.

McEldrew Purtell

Practice Areas

The attorneys at McEldrew Purtell have the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Civil Rights

Civil Rights


Our attorneys stand up for victims of civil rights abuse involving excessive force, in-custody medical malpractice and abuse, and wrongful conviction – fighting for justice, accountability, and lasting change.

Construction & Workplace – 3rd Party & Products

Construction & Workplace – 3rd Party & Products


We pursue claims against 3rd parties and product manufacturers for workplace safety when negligence or defective equipment causes workplace injuries.

FELA / Railroad

FELA / Railroad


Our attorneys represent victims of railroad accidents, bringing deep experience and relentless advocacy to secure justice for injured workers, derailments, and train crossing cases.

Fire & Explosions

Fire & Explosions


We represent victims of devastating fires and explosions caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or defective products. Our team fights to uncover the truth and obtain maximum recovery for our clients.

Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice


Our attorneys hold negligent medical providers and corporations accountable, helping victims of malpractice secure answers, justice, and compensation.

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect


Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting vulnerable seniors, fighting nursing home abuse and neglect against corporate interests to secure justice and safety for your loved ones.

Premises Liability, Negligent Security & Dram Shop

Premises Liability, Negligent Security & Dram Shop


Our attorneys represent individuals injured due to unsafe property conditions and operations, holding negligent property and busienss owners accountable through premises liability claims.

Prenatal, Birth, & Neonatal Injury

Prenatal, Birth & Neonatal Injury


Our attorneys support families through birth, labor, and pregnancy injury cases—providing skilled legal guidance to hold negligent providers accountable.

Products Liability

Products Liability


Our attorneys pursue justice for victims harmed by defective or dangerous products, holding manufacturers and sellers responsible for the harm caused by their products.

Supply Chain Cases

Supply Chain Cases


We handle complex supply chain injury cases, including cargo handling and collapse, forklift accidents, bracing and securing cases, and fulfillment center injuries.

Toxic Tort

Toxic Tort


Our attorneys specialize in toxic tort cases, fighting for clients exposed to harmful chemicals and pollutants to secure the compensation they deserve.

Trucking, Commercial Vehicle & Rideshare

Trucking, Commercial Vehicle & Rideshare


Our firm has extensive experience in cases involving trucking, commercial vehicle, and rideshare accidents. We pursue maximum recovery from corporations and insurers for victims of serious collisions and their families.

Your professional approach, commitment, attention to details leaving no stone unturned and understanding of the complexities involved are truly commendable. You have all been a trusted ally throughout this process. Your hard work and expertise made a significant difference in the positive outcome of my case that was achieved. I have the upmost respect for your legal skills and expertise and am most grateful for the care and attention you provided. Thank you for your dedicated representation and support.

MaryAnn

Products Liability | Traumatic Brain Injury

On behalf of my entire family, thank you for all your hard work and determination in representing us in our case. We are grateful for all your compassion, support, & encouragement throughout the entire process. You are an excellent attorney with a bright future ahead of you. Thank you for helping us to stand up for my dad. Wishing you all the best going forward in both your professional and personal life.

Sylvan Garfunkel

Medical Malpractice

Thank you so much for all you did for me. This outcome would never have happened without you!!

Catastrophic Injury Client

Thank you for a job well done and an outcome well beyond expectations. I’m truly amazed at the amount of investigation, leg work and effort you and your law firm put into winning my case in a 7-day jury trial. I’m now able to move on with my life and support myself and family. Thank you again.

Railroad Worker

McEldrew Purtell stepped in and immediately went to work making sure I was able to get everything I deserved. They kept me informed step by step as the process went on. They assured me that even when things were looking bleak, they were not going to stop fighting, and that is exactly what they have done. Fought and won!

Michael

Catastrophic Injury

After being injured on the job, I hired McEldrew Purtell despite my positive history with another lawyer because I found them to be highly competent and people who truly care about their clients. Throughout the case process, they showed over and over to me and my fellow linemen buddies how generous they are with their time and resources.

Former SEPTA Lineman

Injured on the Job

Hear From Our Clients

At McEldrew Purtell, results matter and so does the way we achieve them. While our case outcomes reflect our tenacity in court and at the negotiation table, it’s the voices of our clients that truly capture who we are and why we do this work.

We represent people at the worst moments of their lives: after catastrophic injuries, workplace tragedies, and preventable losses. Through every case, we aim to deliver not just compensation but clarity, confidence, and care.

If you’re considering working with a Philadelphia trial lawyer, we invite you to read what our clients have said about their experiences with McEldrew Purtell. Their words are the most powerful testament to our values, our dedication, and our results.

McEldrew Purtell proudly partners with law firms across the United States to support clients in complex, high-stakes injury and wrongful death cases. With deep roots in the labor movement, our firm has earned the trust of union workers and their families nationwide. Whether collaborating with co-counsel or advocating for workers injured on the job, we bring decades of experience, trial-tested strategy, and a deep commitment to justice for the working class.

News & Resources

News

McEldrew Purtell Managing Attorney Colin Haviland, Reaffirmed as a Member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

The National Trial Lawyers Reaffirms Colin Haviland as a Member Of The NTL – Civil Plaintiff – Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania Mceldrew Purtell is proud to share that Managing Attorney, Colin Haviland, has been reselected by The National…

Investigations

E-Scooter Catastrophic Injuries, Battery Fires, and Lawsuits: What Riders and Families Need to Know

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are now a familiar sight in Philadelphia and across the U.S. But with popularity has come a surge in serious injuries and, increasingly, devastating lithium-ion battery fires. If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries or…

Investigations

Ybor City Tragedy: When Police Pursuits and Premises Design Collide

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, a driver fleeing police crashed into patrons outside Bradley’s on 7th in Tampa’s Ybor City, killing four and injuring at least eleven. Officials say the driver had been racing and evading law enforcement shortly before…

Investigations

580,000 Bottles of Blood Pressure Drug Recalled for Cancer Risk: What Patients Should Know

The FDA has confirmed a nationwide recall of more than 580,000 bottles of the prescription medication prazosin hydrochloride (1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg capsules) after testing found nitrosamine impurities above the agency’s acceptable limits—compounds that, with long-term exposure,…

Client Stories

McEldrew Purtell Files PCRA Petition Seeking Release of Michael Gaynor in 1988 Marcus Yates Case

McEldrew Purtell has filed a petition under Pennsylvania’s Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) seeking the release of Michael Gaynor, who has been incarcerated since his 1988 conviction in the tragic shooting death of 5-year-old Marcus Yates.

Insights

Legal Insight: Defining the Ownership of Tracks in Philadelphia – Where Should I look?

This article was created by the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association for The Verdict newsletter in conjunction with Cormick McLaughlin of McEldrew Purtell and is intended to provide legal insight into the ownership of railroad tracks in the Philadelphia area. Finding…