New York City Wrongful Death Lawyers for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Citizens

Providing Representation For Wrongful Death Claims Throughout New York State

Losing a loved one due to the negligence or actions of someone else is an unfathomable tragedy. Though no amount of money can make up for what you have lost, your family deserves the compensation needed to cover the deceased’s funeral expenses, the wages they would have provided, and other practical losses. 

At Bruce J. Gitlin, P.C., we are sensitive to the pain and uncertainty you are going through and are ready to help you hold the negligent party or parties accountable for their conduct. Our New York City deaf and hard-of-hearing wrongful death lawyers have over 40 years of experience and are specifically prepared to advocate for persons with hearing loss. Our personal injury lawyers have successfully litigated cases in state and federal courts and will leverage the full extent of our resources to pursue an optimal outcome.

If you recently lost a loved one in an accident and need help exploring your legal options, call (646) 513-4556 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We offer our services in American Sign Language (ASL), English, and Spanish.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York?

Not just anyone can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one. In New York, only persons with standing can pursue this type of legal action, and certain types of surviving relatives are prioritized.

Both a surviving spouse and adult child have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit and potentially collect compensation. The deceased’s spouse and children receive top priority in these matters, meaning other family members cannot sue if a spouse or child is alive. 

If there is no surviving spouse or children, the deceased’s parents can file a claim. If there are no surviving parents, the deceased’s siblings may instead proceed. If there is no surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings, the deceased’s surviving grandparents have the right to sue. Finally, note that a representative of the estate, such as an executor named in the will and recognized by a probate court, can initiate wrongful death litigation. 

Not sure whether you can bring a lawsuit? Our New York City deaf and hard-of-hearing wrongful death attorneys can advise whether you have standing.

NY Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

In New York, you only have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Keep in mind that the clock starts ticking on the day your loved one passes away, not the date they sustained the injuries that led to their death. You will most likely be unable to recover anything if you miss this deadline, so do not wait to get legal advice. 

Your wrongful death claim may not require a trial. We may be able to negotiate a fair settlement, but if this is not possible, we will fervently work to protect and advance your interests in court.

Recoverable Pertinent Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

Our team at Bruce J. Gitlin, P.C. will fight to recover all pertinent damages, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Final medical expenses associated with the deceased’s fatal injuries
• Lost earnings (including anticipated future earnings)
• Loss of services
• Loss of inheritance
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to their passing

Understanding Pain and Suffering in NYC Wrongful Death Claims

In New York, pain and suffering are a type of non-economic harm that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim. This claim includes mental and physical pain and suffering that the victim encountered before they died, such as weeks in the hospital before passing away or the time between the accident and the victim's death. Pain and suffering also include psychological pain, such as fear of death, mental anguish, anxiety, and depression.

Get Help Now: Contact Our NYC Wrongful Death Lawyers, today to get started with our New York City deaf & hard-of-hearing wrongful death lawyers.