Did you lose someone you love as a result of recklessness or negligence? There’s nothing anyone can say to bring back your loved one or fill the void that their absence has left behind. However, a personal injury lawyer in Long Island City can fight for justice on your behalf.
The sooner you contact Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, the more time we’ll have to look at the details that led up to your loved one’s death. As your wrongful death lawyer in Long Island City, we will do everything we can to recover the compensation you’re owed.
As a law firm led by a principal attorney who has been handling cases like yours for 20 years, we’ve recovered $100 million for our clients. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket during such a heavy time filled with grief.
Questions Your Wrongful Death Attorneys in Long Island City Can Answer
No one plans for this. And when it happens, many families don’t immediately think about legal action because they’re simply trying to manage their grief and get through the day.
But over time, questions start to come up, such as:
- What caused this?
- Was it preventable?
- Should someone be held responsible?
- And if so, what does that even look like?
In New York, a wrongful death claim exists to address situations where someone’s actions or failure to act led to another person’s death.
While these claims cannot replace the loved one you lost, this legal opportunity is a way for your family to pursue accountability and seek recovery for the financial impact of your loss.
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
Under New York law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. That’s typically someone appointed to act on behalf of surviving family members per NY EPT § 5-4.1.
Even though one person files the claim, it’s for the benefit of close family members who were financially or emotionally affected, such as the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents.
This is where things can start to feel complicated, especially if you’ve never dealt with anything like this before. Having a wrongful death attorney in Long Island City who can guide you through this process will help ensure everything is handled correctly from the start.
What Has to Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case
At its core, a wrongful death claim comes down to showing that someone else’s negligence caused the loss.
That usually involves proving that:
- A wrongful act or negligence occurred
- That act caused the death
- Surviving family members suffered financial loss as a result
This could apply to a wide range of situations, ranging from car accidents and construction incidents to unsafe property conditions or defective equipment. In more complicated cases, multiple parties might be found liable for the incident.
Each one may try to shift responsibility onto someone else. That’s why building a strong case early matters so much.
The Types of Compensation That May Be Available
One of the biggest questions families have is what a wrongful death claim actually covers. In New York, compensation is focused largely on the financial impact of the loss.
That can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Lost income and benefits that the person would have provided
- Loss of services, like childcare or household contributions
Unlike some other states, New York does not typically allow recovery for emotional grief itself in wrongful death claims. That can feel frustrating, especially given what families are going through.
However, there might be additional claims that address the pain and suffering the person experienced before passing, like a survival action. Ultimately, your Long Island City wrongful death attorney can identify every possible legal avenue available to you, not just the obvious ones.
Why Wrongful Death Cases are Often Complicated
There are many different moving parts involved in wrongful death cases, including:
- Estate-related procedures
- Strict filing requirements
- Multiple parties and insurance companies
- High-value claims that are often heavily contested
Insurance companies take these cases seriously because of what’s at stake. They may dispute liability. They may challenge the financial impact. They may delay the process in hopes of reducing what they pay.
This is where families can feel stuck, not because they don’t have a case, but because the system itself is not easy to understand when you’re handling it on your own.
What a Lawyer for Wrongful Death Can Do for Your Family
Our Long Island City wrongful death lawyers take on the legal burden so you don’t have to worry about handling your case alone. We investigate what happened and gather evidence before it’s lost. We work with experts when needed to establish cause and responsibility.
We calculate the full financial impact of the loss, not just what’s immediately obvious on the surface. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties, so you’re not dealing with constant calls or pressure during an already overwhelming time.
And if a lawsuit needs to be filed, we won’t hesitate to take action on your family’s behalf. Together, the combination of preparation, speed, and experience can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your case.
If You’re Searching for a “Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me,” Contact Us
Losing someone you love is hard enough as it is, but when your family member dies due to another person’s actions or lack thereof, the circumstances are heightened. Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers understand that this is a heartbreaking experience for you.
That’s why we spend our time working aggressively toward favorable outcomes for people in your position. Your loved one should still be here, and even though we can’t bring them back to life, we can fight for justice on your behalf.
As your wrongful death lawyers in Long Island City, you can count on us to handle the legal side of things and guide you through the process every step of the way. Call us today for more insight into how we can help you. Prepare to come in as a client, leave as a friend.