Wrongful Death Lawyer in NYC

A New York wrongful death case arises when a person dies as a result of someone else's negligence, reckless driving, medical malpractice, or intentional wrongful conduct. When negligence causes a loved one's death, surviving family members have the right to seek compensation through a civil wrongful death action.

Unlike a personal injury lawsuit filed by an injured person, a wrongful death suit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries. This distinction matters because it affects who controls the case, how compensation is distributed, and what deadlines apply.

New York City's density, traffic, and construction activity create conditions where fatal injuries occur with tragic frequency. Common causes of New York City wrongful death cases our law firm handles include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Bus accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction accidents
• Acts of violence

If your family's loss resulted from any of these situations, a wrongful death attorney in NYC can review your case and help you understand your options.

Under New York law, only the personal representative of the deceased's estate can file a wrongful death suit on behalf of surviving beneficiaries. This representative is typically named in the decedent's will. If no will exists, the court appoints a representative.

Understanding how these rules apply to your family's situation is one of the first things our skilled attorneys will walk you through during your free consultation.

A successful New York wrongful death case can help your family recover damages for both the financial and personal impact of your loved one's death. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses incurred before the person's death
• Funeral costs and burial expenses
• Lost income, future earnings and long-term impact on the family's financial stability
• Loss of parental guidance and companionship
• Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death
• Punitive damages when the liable parties acted intentionally or maliciously

Every New York wrongful death case is unique and the amount recovered depends on the circumstances of the victim's death, the degree of responsibility of the liable parties, and the financial impact on surviving beneficiaries. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys work to ensure your family receives maximum compensation for everything you've lost.

New York wrongful death law has specific rules that affect how and when a claim can be filed. Understanding them early can protect your family's right to financial recovery.

Two-year statute of limitations: In most cases, the personal representative has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death action. If the liable party is facing criminal charges related to the tragic accident, this deadline may extend to one year after the criminal case concludes. Missing the filing deadline can forfeit your family's right to recover compensation entirely.

The pecuniary loss standard: New York's wrongful death law limits recoverable damages to economic losses, meaning the financial burden placed on surviving beneficiaries. This includes lost income, loss of services, and the deprivation of parental care and guidance. Conscious pain and suffering may also be recoverable through a separate survival action filed alongside the wrongful death suit.

Government entity claims: When the New York City Department of Transportation, the MTA, or another city agency contributed to the fatal injury, strict notice requirements apply. Claims against government entities must be filed within 90 days of the loved one's death. Our skilled attorneys know how to navigate these requirements to protect your family's right to seek compensation.

Pursuing justice after a loved one's death is not something any family should have to do alone. Ward Law is a law firm built on the belief that justice belongs to everyone, and we bring that commitment to every New York City wrongful death case we handle.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so grieving families never have to worry about upfront costs while pursuing justice. Our attorneys are available around the clock in both English and Spanish, and we have recovered nearly $1 billion in compensation for clients across New York City and beyond.

When someone else's negligence costs a family everything, we fight to make sure they don't have to suffer financial damage on top of their loss.