What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
A wrongful death lawyer is a legal professional who is experienced in representing families in wrongful death cases. Wrongful deaths can be caused by an accident, malpractice, or another act of negligence. Unlike normal personal injury cases, wrongful death claims are more complex and must meet specific state laws to recover damages. The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to compensate family members for their financial and emotional loss caused by the deceased person’s death. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, compensation can help ease the financial strain of grieving and paying for necessary funeral expenses.
A successful wrongful death claim requires thorough investigation of all the facts of the case and gathering strong evidence to support the claim. This includes obtaining copies of the police report, statements from eyewitnesses, and any surveillance footage that may have captured the incident. A seasoned wrongful death lawyer will also review medical records and other documentation to determine the full extent of your loss and what damages you are entitled to receive.
In addition to proving that your loved one died due to the negligent actions of another party, you must also show that these actions caused their death. This is known as showing that the defendant breached their duty of care to your relative. Typically, this means demonstrating that the person in question failed to exercise reasonable care and caution or acted recklessly. In some cases, you might be able to demonstrate that the deceased individual was a victim of a medical malpractice.
It is essential to hire a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after your loss. During the initial days following the tragedy, critical evidence can be lost or destroyed. In New York, there is a two year statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims and a lawyer can work with you to file the claim on time.
A skilled wrongful death attorney will work with you long before filing the claim. They will make sure that all potential defendants are identified and that all necessary documents are filed. In addition, they will work with the authorities and insurance companies to ensure that all of your family’s needs are met.
In wrongful death cases, there are often multiple parties who might be held liable for your loss. This can include the at-fault driver, doctors, and other medical professionals, manufacturers, property owners, employers, and others. If you have an experienced wrongful death lawyer, they will know how to investigate the case and identify all of the defendants who should be included in your claim.
A wrongful death claim can provide financial relief to your family after losing a loved one due to the negligence of another. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden that you face and give you peace of mind that your future is secure. The team at Finkelstein & Partners, LLP has extensive experience with New York wrongful death law and can help you build a strong case against any responsible parties.