Rule 2205.Notice to persons entitled to damages.

Once a wrongful-death action is instituted, the plaintiff must tell every person entitled by law to recover damages. The notice states that an action for wrongful death has been instituted, names the decedent, and gives the court, term and number of the action. It goes by registered mail, or in another manner the court directs by local rule or special order.

The Official Note leaves the form of the notice and the method of proving service to local rule or order, so local practice controls those details. The notice lets beneficiaries follow a case brought for their benefit and, in an action under Pennsylvania law, act under Rule 2203 to remove a plaintiff who is not conducting it properly. The names and addresses come from the complaint, which Rule 2204 requires to list everyone entitled to damages.

Under Rule 2201, this notice duty applies whether the claim arises under Pennsylvania law or another jurisdiction’s.