Bronx Wrongful Death Attorneys

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in New York

There is nothing more difficult than losing someone you love. When that loss occurs suddenly and without warning, surviving family members and loved ones often find it even more difficult to heal.

If you have recently lost a loved one due to the careless or wrongful conduct of someone else, we at Wolf & Fuhrman LLP extend our deepest and most sincere condolences. We also want you to know that you and your family deserve and can get justice. When another person or party causes the death of an individual, whether intentionally, by negligence, or accidentally, certain surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

A successful wrongful death claim or lawsuit will allow you to recover monetary compensation for certain losses you have suffered in the wake of your loved one’s death. At Wolf & Fuhrman LLP, we recognize that no amount of financial compensation could ever undo the tragic loss you have endured, but we have also seen firsthand how a successful wrongful death case can allow family members to manage unexpected expenses and obtain justice, which often can help them heal.

Contact our Bronx wrongful death attorneys at (718) 293-0980 or simply visit our office, no appointment needed, for a complimentary consultation.

WHAT IS A “WRONGFUL DEATH?”

The New York wrongful death statute considers a death “wrongful” when it results from the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person or party. Generally speaking, if the person who died (known in these cases as the “decedent”) would have been entitled to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit had they lived, their death is considered “wrongful” under the law.

Wrongful death claims arise from all types of incidents, including but not limited to:

At Wolf & Fuhrman LLP, we assist families who have lost loved ones in all types of tragic accidents. We understand that this is one of the most difficult times in your life, and we want to help you and your family secure the justice you deserve.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?

Under the New York wrongful death statute, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate (also known as the “executor”) can bring a wrongful death action. This means that, unless you are the named or appointed personal representative of the estate, you cannot be the one to actually file a claim or lawsuit, even if the decedent was your spouse, child, parent, or another close family relative. Even though only the personal representative can bring the suit, all beneficiaries of the decedent can recover their share of the estate. The amount of that share is calculated either based on the will of the decedent or by the Surrogate’s Court, following established laws/rules of succession.

However, even though the personal representative must be the one to initiate the wrongful death action, damages are sought on behalf of the estate and on behalf of certain specified individuals (“plaintiffs”). The plaintiffs who can recover damages in a wrongful death case in New York are determined strictly by law.

Survivorship Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims

In New York, two separate actions can be taken after the wrongful death of an individual:

  • Survivorship Actions Explained

    A survivorship action is brought on behalf of the estate and seeks compensation for conscious pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death.

  • Wrongful Death Actions: What You Need to Know

    A wrongful death action is brought on behalf of eligible surviving individuals for specific damages paid out of pocket by those individuals.

The personal representative of the estate can bring both a survivorship action and a wrongful death action. Often, wrongful death actions have several plaintiffs and can have different statutes of limitations (or filing deadlines).

Note that both survivorship actions and wrongful death actions are separate from criminal proceedings. If a person dies due to another individual or entity’s wrongful or criminal conduct, the at-fault party may face criminal prosecution. The outcome of a criminal case does not necessarily affect the outcome of either a survivorship action or a wrongful death case.

What Damages Are Available in New York Wrongful Death Cases?

In most cases, spouses, children, and other family members who survive a wrongful death victim face significant financial and emotional hardships. These individuals may be entitled to compensation for these damages.

While the exact damages available in your case will depend on the specific factors involved, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • Reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the decedent’s final care
  • Funeral and/or burial expenses
  • Loss of income, wages, and employment benefits the decedent would have provided
  • Loss of inheritance
  • The reasonable dollar value of support and services the decedent provided
  • Loss of parental care, guidance, nurturing, and support
  • Interest on the damage award from the date of death until the date of the award

Our wrongful death attorneys in the Bronx can review the details of your case with you during a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help determine which types of damages you may be entitled to receive, as well as the potential value of your case.

Statute of Limitations for Bronx Wrongful Death Claims

Like other states, New York has a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations is simply the amount of time you have to sue the liable party; if the statute of limitations expires, your case will almost certainly be dismissed.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York. If the death resulted from medical malpractice, you have two years and six months from the date of death to bring your lawsuit. If the defendant (the person or party against whom you are bringing the claim) is also facing criminal charges for the incident that led to your loved one’s death, you have one year from the date on which the criminal case ends to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York.

Other exceptions may apply, but it is always a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the filing deadline. We encourage you to get in touch with our team at Wolf & Fuhrman LLP right away to learn how we can help you and your family.

Contact us online or call (718) 293-0980 to schedule a free consultation. You can also just walk into our office in the Bronx—our doors are always open! Hablamos español.

Our Recent Case Results

  • Brain Damage $9 Million
  • Botched Surgery $8 Million
  • Birth Injury $7 Million
  • Malpractice $6.1 Million
  • Medical Malpractice $6 Million
  • Medical Malpractice $5.1 Million
  • Stroke $5 Million
  • Birth injury $4.4 Million
  • Medical Malpractice $4.3 Million
  • Medical Malpractice $3.8 Million
/

Hear What People Say About Us

  • “Eliot Wolf guided us with the utmost case, knowledge and expertise every step of the way!”

    - C.S.

  • “Wolf & Fuhrman handled a family personal injury case with professionalism and great care to detail. They were friendly, smart and made us feel comfortable during a difficult time.”

    - Alan Anczelowicz

  • “I am very pleased with the support and assistance from Mr. Wolf and his team. They go above and beyond to assist their clients.”

    - Mr. and Mrs. A.

  • “I want to thank Eliot and his team for a job well done. Eliot was very successful in our case, but more importantly he was always available for my family if we had questions or concern.”

    - Luis

  • “I strongly recommend Marvin for his highly ethical and professional representation of clients in cases involving personal injury, accidents and wrongful death.”

    - Former Client
/

We Care About Our Clients

What Sets Our Firm Apart
  • Over 65 Years of Combined Experience
  • We Prepare Every Case for Trial to Maximize Recovery for Our Clients
  • Personalized Attention From Beginning to End
  • Helping and Supporting the Bronx Community

Seeking Justice on Behalf of You & Your Family

When someone else causes the death of a person you love, you have the right to hold that individual or entity accountable. At Wolf & Fuhrman LLP, we are ready to fight for justice for you and your family. Our Bronx wrongful death attorneys strive to hold careless people and parties accountable so that similar incidents and deaths do not occur again in the future.

Tell Us About Your Case

We Make the Process Easy
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.