In New York, wrongful death is a legal claim that arises when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, unlawful act, or intentional misconduct. The deceased person’s estate brings a wrongful death claim for the surviving family members, who may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses.
Under New York law, a wrongful death claim can be brought against any person or entity responsible for the death, including individuals, corporations, government agencies, and more. Damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, and the deceased person’s pain and suffering before death.
To bring a wrongful death claim in New York, the representative of the deceased person’s estate must file a lawsuit in court within two years of the date of the person’s death. The representative must also be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court of the county where the deceased person lived and must be able to prove that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct caused the person’s death.
Wrongful death cases can be complex and require the guidance of an experienced attorney. Suppose you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, criminal act, or intentional misconduct. In that case, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible to explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
