Wrongful Death Claims in NYC

Wrongful Death Claims in NYC

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, the pain is compounded by the sense that it could have been prevented. At Sheindlin Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll that wrongful death can place on a family. Our experienced New York wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you with compassion, protect your rights, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is a Wrongful Death Under New York Law?

In New York, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of another party’s negligent, careless, or intentional conduct. Common causes include:

– Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, rideshare, or pedestrian crashes
– Medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or birth-related injuries
– Construction site and workplace accidents
– Defective products or dangerous medications
– Premises liability incidents, such as slip-and-falls, fires, or negligent security
– Criminal acts, including assault or drunk driving

To bring a wrongful death claim in New York, the personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased person’s estate must file the lawsuit. While the process can seem complex, our team helps families navigate each step with care and clarity.

Who Can Receive Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case?

Under New York law, certain surviving family members may recover damages from a wrongful death lawsuit. These typically include:

– A spouse
– Children, including minor and adult children
– Parents of the deceased (if there is no spouse or children)
– Other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support

The lawsuit is filed by the estate’s representative, but the damages awarded benefit the surviving family members who have suffered losses as a result of the death.

What Compensation Is Available?

While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden caused by the loss. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical costs related to the final injury or illness
– Loss of the deceased’s financial support and future earnings
– Loss of services, such as childcare, household help, or guidance
– Loss of parental care and nurturing for surviving children
– Conscious pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death

Unlike some other states, New York law does not allow families to recover damages for their own emotional grief. However, careful documentation of the economic and practical losses your family has endured can maximize the compensation available.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in NYC?

New York imposes a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. If the death was caused by medical malpractice, or if it involved a municipal or government entity (like the City of New York), the timeframe may be even shorter due to special filing requirements.

Because these deadlines are unforgiving, it’s crucial to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. At Sheindlin Law, we act quickly to preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and build a strong case on your family’s behalf.

Why Choose Sheindlin Law for a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death cases are complex. They require not only an understanding of New York wrongful death statutes, but also the ability to investigate the underlying cause of the death, work with experts to calculate damages, and navigate insurance companies and defense lawyers.

At Sheindlin Law, we offer:

– Compassionate guidance to help you through an emotionally challenging process
– Extensive experience in handling negligence, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases
– Thorough investigation to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable
– Aggressive advocacy to pursue full and fair compensation for your family’s losses
– Personalized attention—you’re never treated like just another case file

Our firm is dedicated to providing clear communication and strong legal representation so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal burdens.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in New York City or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The team at Sheindlin Law is here to help you understand your rights and explore every avenue for justice.

We offer free, confidential consultations, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Call Sheindlin Law today or fill out our online contact form to speak with a compassionate NYC wrongful death attorney. Let us help you honor your loved one’s memory by holding the responsible parties accountable.