When you lose someone close to you, the impact is tremendous. It can be especially devastating when that person’s death was caused by another person’s reckless or negligent actions. A wrongful death lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses and hold the responsible parties accountable.

While no amount of money can replace a loved one, the damages recovered in a wrongful death case can help ease the unavoidable financial burdens that occur after such a tragic loss. For example, funeral and burial expenses can be covered, as can any medical bills related to the accident that led to your family member’s death. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for lost future income if your loved one was the household’s primary source of income.

To pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, you must be able to demonstrate that your relative’s life was cut short due to another party’s negligence. A skilled wrongful death attorney can examine the evidence and conduct a thorough investigation to build a strong claim that will allow you to seek fair compensation for your losses.

Besides demonstrating that the death was due to another party’s negligent actions, you must also show that your loved ones experienced pain and suffering prior to their deaths. This is sometimes called a survival action. It’s important to note that under New York law, if your loved one shares any degree of fault for their accident, the awarded compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

In a wrongful death action, your attorney will file the suit on behalf of your deceased loved one’s estate. The process starts with the Surrogate’s Court appointing a family member as administrator and issuing letters of administration. This person will be tasked with filing legal documents, testifying at a trial or deposition, and signing other essential paperwork. If your loved one’s death occurred before this appointment, it’s important to speak with a wrongful death lawyer right away.

Wrongful death cases are complex and often include multiple defendants. Your wrongful death lawyer will work to explore all possible avenues for compensation, including employer liability, third-party responsibility, and additional insurance policies. The attorneys at Faraci Lange, LLP have handled thousands of these claims over the years for families in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Steuben, Yates and Genesee Counties, as well as throughout Western New York. They are listed in Best Lawyers in America(r) and have the knowledge and experience needed to handle wrongful death claims. We offer a free consultation and are available to answer any questions you may have. Call or use our online form today to get started. We take pride in our ability to guide clients through this difficult time with compassion and expertise. We will fight for your rights in court if necessary to secure a maximum settlement on your behalf. The clock is ticking – you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim.