Wrongful Death Attorney

Fishkill Injury Attorney Serving Wappingers Falls, Beacon, Lagrangeville, Brewster, Carmel & Nearby Areas Of Hudson Valley

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is a traumatic event no one should have to undergo. And yet negligence, accidents, and misconduct lead to these fatalities every day in the U.S. When you lose a loved one to these types of circumstances, the potential for serious emotional and financial hardship is real for your entire family. To help your family during this difficult time, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to pursue justice on behalf of the deceased.

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New York attorney Ira M. Maurer has nearly 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of family members affected by wrongful death. No matter what caused the accident, our expertise and resources will get the results you need. Mr. Maurer will investigate who is at-fault for wrongful death and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

If you lost a loved one because of someone else's carelessness and negligence, please contact the Maurer Law Firm by filling out the form on this page or by calling 845-896-5295 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve those who live in the Hudson Valley including Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Myers Corner, and LaGrangeville, New York.

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a way for the immediate family of the deceased to seek justice and compensation for the loss of their loved one. If the death is a result of legal fault by another person or entity, they have the right to pursue a claim. This is especially true if the deceased was the head of household and primary means of financial support.

New York law allows lawsuits to be initiated by a personal representative of the decedent who died as the result of negligence or some other wrongful conduct. Wrongful death cases, formerly based on common law principles, are now governed by the New York wrongful death statute. The decedent’s personal representative, designated by the deceased's last will and testament, can file a wrongful death claim. If no will exists, the probate court of the decedent’s county of residence may appoint an administrator.

It’s important to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as these claims can often be complicated. To have a successful wrongful death claim in the state of New York, one must show five factors. According to the New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Code Part 4, the five elements that must be shown include:

  • A death,
  • Caused by the wrongful conduct of the defendant,
  • Giving rise to a cause of action the deceased could have pursued in court if death had not occurred
  • Survival by one or more persons who have suffered a loss as the result of the death, and
  • Damages the estate can recover

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in the state of New York is two years from the date of the victim’s death. It’s also important to note that the state does not stop the statute of limitations from running if the victim’s representative is a minor or legally incapable of filing the claim. In those cases, the minor’s or incapable person’s guardian must file the claim on their behalf.

Causes Of Wrongful Death

Virtually any type of accident can lead to a wrongful death if the responsible party was negligent or careless in any way. Mr. Maurer has years of experience with many types of personal injury cases and can help if your family member suffers a fatal accident because of someone else.

Wrongful death claims can result from:

Who Can Be Liable In A Wrongful Death?

Upon investigating your case, Mr. Maurer can determine the potential at-fault parties in your loved one's wrongful death. In these types of lawsuits, there are a wide array of people or entities that may have been the ultimate cause of the death:

  • Individuals
  • Corporations
  • Businesses
  • Government agencies

There are certain parties who are legally immune from a wrongful death lawsuit, and Mr. Maurer can determine whether the responsible party can have a claim brought against them.

Damages In Wrongful Death Claims

Although New York law only provides for the recovery of economic loss resulting from wrongful death (i.e. the decedent’s lost wages and fringe benefits), a child of the deceased may recover for the value of parenting that has been lost. A family member is not entitled to damages for pain and suffering unless he or she was located within what the court recognizes as the “zone of danger” at the time of the accident.

The damages that are awarded in New York state wrongful death cases are contingent on the specific circumstances of each case. However, damages have been awarded to plaintiffs such as:

  • Expenses for the funeral and burial
  • Medical and healthcare expenses associated with the deceased injury or illness
  • The deceased’s wages and benefits which were lost between the injury or illness and their death
  • The worth of support the deceased provided to the family
  • The loss of inheritance experienced by surviving children
  • The worth of parental care and support to surviving children

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit On Behalf Of The Deceased?

In the state of New York, family members including a spouse, child, or parent can file a wrongful death claim. A representative of the estate, appointed by the courts or designated before death by the decedent, can also file a wrongful death claim in New York.

The best way to learn if you have the right to file a wrongful death claim is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced attorney. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your rights.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On A Wrongful Death Case?

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in New York State is two years from the date of death.

If you suspect a loved one’s death was preventable, it is best to discuss your case with a wrongful death lawyer long before the statute of limitations approaches.

How Can Our Skilled Attorneys Help You Build A Wrongful Death Case?

Our firm conducts thorough investigations into every case we take, hiring experts in various fields when needed for additional support. In our investigations, we utilize advanced technologies that assist in assessing accidents and establishing liability, helping to ensure all of those responsible are held to account.

Bringing more than 40 years of experience to every case, Ira Maurer knows how to prepare claims for any eventuality. No matter if your claim settles or requires a jury trial, our firm is prepared to handle whatever comes. Efficient, thorough, and compassionate, Mr. Maurer and our team welcome the opportunity to meet with your family, listen to your experience, and provide honest information about your options.

Will I Have To Settle Or Go To Court In A Wrongful Death Case?

Only around four to five percent of personal injury claims go to trial. Almost all of them are settled during mediation or pre-trial negotiations. However, we will never force you to settle. We will provide you individualized advice, based on the specifics of your case, every step of the way to help ensure you are making the best choices for your case.

Contact An Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Today

In addition to having decades of experience in his field, Mr. Maurer works tirelessly to pursue the results his clients want. He also offers a free consultation so that you can learn about our law firm and so that we can learn about your case. During your consultation, he'll answer any questions you may have and address all of your concerns.

A wrongful death not only causes you grief and suffering, but you're also dealing with the legal ramifications, insurance companies, end-of-life expenses and other problems. Mr. Maurer is committed to lessening your burden by handling your case while you focus on your emotional health.

If you have lost a loved one because of wrongful death circumstances in Fishkill, Myers Corner, Beacon, Wappingers Falls, LaGrangeville and nearby areas of Hudson Valley, please call the Maurer Law Firm for a free consultation at 845-896-5295.

How Can We Help You?

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