New York & New Jersey Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one to a preventable incident is devastating. You have the right to answers and compensation for financial losses, final expenses, and the harm done to your family. We represent surviving families across New York and New Jersey.
Your Rights After a Wrongful Death
State law allows the estate and surviving family to pursue compensation when negligence causes a death. Claims can include economic losses, medical and funeral costs, and in many cases damages for conscious pain and suffering through a separate survival claim. Deadlines are strict, and some cases involving public entities require fast notice.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
- Fatal motor vehicle crashes, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians
- Construction and workplace incidents
- Nursing home neglect and medical negligence
- Dangerous property conditions and defective products
How we prove your case
Wrongful death cases turn on preserved evidence and a clear record of causation and damages. Deadlines are short, typically about two years, and some public-entity matters require notice within 90 days. Responsibility may extend to drivers and employers, property owners and managers, contractors, healthcare providers, product manufacturers, and other entities whose negligence contributed to the death.
Compensation we pursue
Families may recover funeral and medical expenses, loss of financial support and services, loss of guidance and care where allowed, and damages for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering through a survival claim when supported by the evidence.
Service Area
We serve New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island), White Plains/Westchester, Long Island, and communities throughout New Jersey.
Schedule Your Free Case Review
Fast, free, and confidential case reviews — no fees unless we win.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can bring a wrongful death claim?
Usually the personal representative of the estate on behalf of eligible survivors. We confirm the correct party and court filings for your situation.
How long do I have to file?
Deadlines are short, generally around two years, and public-entity cases can require a notice within 90 days. Contact counsel as soon as possible.
Do we need to open an estate to file?
Yes. A court must appoint a personal representative for the decedent. That representative brings the claim and signs settlements, subject to court approval.
How are settlements distributed among family members?
Courts review and approve the allocation. Distribution follows state law on beneficiaries, and the court can resolve disputes about shares.
What is the difference between wrongful death and a survival claim?
Wrongful death pays the statutory beneficiaries for their pecuniary losses (dependency), and is paid directly to them. Survival seeks the decedent’s own damages between injury and death (e.g., conscious pain and suffering) and is paid to the estate.
Can we pursue both wrongful death and a survival claim?
Yes. They are separate claims.