The unexpected loss of a family member can lead to serious financial strain. If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, a Suffolk County personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Losing someone unexpectedly is one of the hardest things a family can experience. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and a sense of justice.
The legal team at Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers has 50 years of combined experience. If you’ve lost someone you love in a preventable accident, a wrongful death lawyer in Suffolk County can help you seek justice.
How Can a Suffolk County Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve lost a family member due to another party’s negligence, a lawyer can:
- Investigate the incident: An attorney can gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
- Identify liable parties: Whether it’s a negligent driver, a careless doctor, or a company that failed to maintain safety standards, a lawyer can determine who’s responsible.
- Calculate damages: An attorney can assess your financial and emotional losses to determine the true value of your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If settlement talks fail, your lawyer will take your case before a judge or jury and advocate for your family.
A Suffolk County wrongful death lawyer can handle every aspect of your lawsuit so you can focus on spending time with your family.
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How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The attorneys at Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, your attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of your final settlement or court award. You can discuss this percentage at your initial consultation.
How Much is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
Wrongful death settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Your claim’s value will depend on factors such as:
- The age and health of the deceased at the time of death
- Their income and earning potential
- The level of financial and emotional support they provided your family
- The circumstances of the accident
- The strength of the evidence proving the opposing party’s fault
A wrongful death attorney in Suffolk County can evaluate your case and give you a realistic idea of its potential value.
Types of Damages You Can Pursue
If you file a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of hospital treatment, emergency care, or other medical services your loved one received before passing.
- Funeral and burial expenses: You can seek reimbursement for the costs of your loved one’s funeral, burial, or cremation services.
- Lost income and financial support: You can pursue compensation for the wages, benefits, and future earnings your loved one would have contributed to your household.
- Pain and suffering of the deceased: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering your loved one experienced prior to their death.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional.
Our Suffolk County wrongful death attorneys can help calculate and document these damages to make sure your family receives the maximum possible settlement.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, no matter how strong it is. This is why it’s important to contact a Suffolk County lawyer for wrongful death as soon as you can.
Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in New York State?
Unlike in some other states, New York law only allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative acts on behalf of surviving family members, such as:
- The spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other dependents or beneficiaries
Any damages recovered in the lawsuit are distributed to these individuals according to New York’s estate laws.
What Happens if You Lose a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If you lose your wrongful death lawsuit, your family will not receive compensation. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re out of legal options. If there are valid legal grounds to challenge the verdict or the way the case was handled, your attorney may recommend filing an appeal.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths can result from a variety of incidents, such as:
- Car accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers
- Motorcycle collisions
- Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors and misdiagnosis
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Construction accidents
- Workplace machinery accidents
- Defective products or faulty equipment
- Slip and fall accidents on unsafe property
- Criminal acts such as assault or homicide
If you’re searching for a Suffolk County “wrongful death lawyer near me,” look no further than Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers.
Speak to a Wrongful Death Attorney in Suffolk County
Filing a wrongful death claim isn’t just about financial recovery—it’s about holding negligent parties accountable and finding a measure of closure.
If you’ve lost someone you love because of another person’s actions, a Suffolk County wrongful death attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal process and fight for justice for your loved one.
You deserve the best wrongful death lawyer in Suffolk County. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options today.