When an action for wrongful death has been instituted, the plaintiff shall give notice, by registered mail or in such other manner as the court shall direct by local rule or special order, to each person entitled by law to recover damages in the action, that an action has been instituted for wrongful death, naming the decedent and stating the court, term and number of the action.
Rule 2205.Notice to persons entitled to damages.
Last amended November 14, 1978 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2205 requires a wrongful-death plaintiff to give notice of the action to the persons entitled to share in the damages.
Full Text of Rule 2205
Plain-English Summary
Everyone with a stake in a wrongful-death recovery must be told the case exists. This rule requires the plaintiff to give notice, by registered mail or another manner the court directs, to the persons entitled to share in the damages — so beneficiaries can protect their interests in the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are family members notified of a wrongful-death action?
Yes. The plaintiff must give notice to the persons entitled to share in the damages.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820. The form of notice and method of proof of service are left for regulation by local rule or order.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2205 amended November 14, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3410. Immediately pre- ceding text appears at serial page (22339).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: notice wrongful death beneficiarieswrongful death noticepersons entitled damages notice