Someone Else's Negligence Should Not Go Unnoticed
We have recovered more than half a billion dollars for our clients.
In the event that an injured victim does not survive an accident caused by the negligence of another, wrongful death has occurred. If you are a surviving family member of a wrongful death victim, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your loss.
These tragic circumstances usually require the help of an experienced wrongful death lawyer so that you, as a family member of the deceased, are "made whole.” The Perecman Law Firm works hard to help you obtain compensation to cover medical bills, funeral arrangements, lost income, and other costs associated with the death of your loved one.
Call us today for your free consultation with a "Best Law Firms" rated practice. Our wrongful death lawyers in NYC are here to help you through this difficult time.
NO FEES
UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE
Do I Have Grounds to Pursue a Wrongful Death Case?
If an accident victim would have been justified in bringing a personal injury claim had they lived, then a wrongful death claim is usually appropriate. This type of claim can be filed by surviving family members or legal dependents of an individual who has died due to another party’s negligence, carelessness, or misconduct.
Types of NYC wrongful death cases we handle:
- Medical malpractice fatalities
- Fatal motor vehicle accidents
- Fatal construction accidents
- Fatal workplace accidents
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York?
Family members who can make a wrongful death claim include:
- Spouses of the deceased
- Parents who lost children
- Children who lost their parents
In some cases, siblings or other close relatives can file the claim. If the person filing the claim is a minor, they may require an adult guardian in order to file a lawsuit. Depending on the situation, other legal dependents and members of the victim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in New York.
Establishing Fault in a NYC Wrongful Death Case
Family members must show several different elements of their wrongful death case, including:
- The defendant had a legal obligation to the deceased. People have a general legal obligation to avoid high-risk behaviors. For example, drivers must exercise reasonable caution and manufacturers have an obligation to ensure that their products are safe. Establishing a legal duty can be shown if there was a relationship, however tangential, between the deceased and the defendant.
- The obligation was breached. There is a negligence standard generally used to make this determination. How would a reasonable person have acted in a similar situation? If they had been more careful, the defendant is considered to be negligent.
- The breach directly caused the death. Did the defendant’s actions lead to the death? If so, a wrongful death claim can be made.
- There is something for which you can be compensated. These costs include medical bills or pain and suffering. Wrongful death cases allow you to recover money for both economic and non-economic losses.
If you are bringing a wrongful death claim, you have the burden of proving each of these elements. To make a strong claim, you will need the services of a knowledgeable attorney to help gather the necessary evidence for your case.
Seeking Compensation for the Loss of Your Loved One
If your family member has died due to the negligence of another, your first priority should be contacting a lawyer who can help you maximize your compensation by going to court or negotiating a settlement with the defendant. In New York, there is a statute of limitations restricting the amount of time you can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In addition, determining appropriate compensation for your loss can be a complicated process involving many factors that establish what your case should be worth. At The Perecman Firm, our experienced wrongful death attorneys in New York City can lead you through this process with clarity, informing you of your rights and options.
Damages for wrongful death claims include:
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
- Medical bills that were paid prior to the death
- Lost financial support that the deceased would have provided
Is It Possible to Secure Compensation for Emotional Distress?
New York law rarely permits recovery of damages for emotional distress in wrongful death lawsuits, except in specific situations. One of these situations is if the family member witnessed the injury or death of their loved one firsthand. In these cases, that person may be able to file a claim to seek compensation for emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in New York
Wrongful death claims in New York are subject to a strict statute of limitations. Generally, these claims must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. This means that surviving family members or the personal representative of the estate have a two-year window to initiate legal proceedings.
Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. There are some rare exceptions that might extend this deadline, but it’s always best to consult with a qualified New York wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the required time limit.”
Contact Our New York City Wrongful Death Attorneys
At The Perecman Firm, we understand the grief you are going through, so we will fight for your legal rights so that you can focus on healing. Our New York City personal injury attorneys have extensive experience and expertise in helping family members who have lost loved ones. Our firm is made up of real trial lawyers, who have won dozens of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements through toughness, sharp legal insight, and effective tactics. We are based in Manhattan, but we also represent injured people in Jericho, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, and beyond. To learn more about your case and how we can help, contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.