Westbury Wrongful Death Lawyer

The death of a close family member is always devastating. If the loss is the result of someone else’s negligence, your grief gets compounded by financial loss and confusion about how to proceed. 

There is a way forward, though. A Westbury wrongful death lawyer can help you build a claim against the liable party. Levine And Wiss handles your legal matters, helping you and your family relieve the financial pressure you face after a deadly accident. 

Our team has more than 100 years of combined legal experience to put toward your fight for fair compensation. Let our Westbury personal injury lawyers review your case and explain your legal options.

Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation and get the support you need during this challenging time.

Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Westbury?

Hiring an attorney after the loss of a loved one means you‘ll have someone on your side, ready to put you first and protect your family as you take legal action. Our team understands what you’re going through, and we can handle your case so you can focus on your emotional needs.

You can rely on our legal team to:

• Answer any questions you have
• Investigate what happened and gather evidence
• Find all liable parties
• Track the losses faced by your family
• Take steps to resolve your claim

You can reach out to us now to discuss what to do if you suspect a wrongful death and the next steps you need to take to secure monetary justice for your family.

Types of Wrongful Death Accidents We Handle

A wrongful death refers to a legal claim relating to someone’s death. In this type of case, someone’s passing was the result of another person or entity’s negligence, and the decedent’s family seeks damages from the responsible party. 

We may help your family file a wrongful death lawsuit after a:

• Bike accident
• Bus accident
• Car accident
• Construction site accident
• Workplace accident
• DWI accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Slip and fall accident
• Trucking accident
• Incident involving medical malpractice

A Westbury wrongful death attorney can answer any questions you have about these and other incidents that may warrant a lawsuit. At Levine And Wiss, our lawyers can evaluate your case and help you determine if now is the time to file a lawsuit. For more information, reach out to us.

Who is Responsible for a Wrongful Death?

One or more parties may be responsible for the death of your family member. Your lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine who is liable.

Parties that may be at fault for a wrongful death include:

• Business operators
• Drivers
• Government entities
• Motorcyclists
• Truckers

If you are considering a death claim but are unsure about whether to move forward with it, consult with a lawyer. We can provide a risk-free legal consultation to evaluate your eligibility to file a claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Per New York Consolidated Laws, Estates, Powers and Trusts (EPT) §5-4-1, a personal representative of a decedent is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This representative may be a spouse, sibling, child, or other family member.

Alternatively, a person may use their will to name someone to serve as their representative. A wrongful death lawyer in Westbury can determine your eligibility for filing a claim.

Damages Associated with a Wrongful Death Claim

You may ask for economic and non–economic compensation when pursuing a wrongful death case. A judge or jury may award economic damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Your loved one’s medical costs
• Lost financial support
• Lost guidance, care, and nurturing
• Lost inheritance

In some cases, you may receive additional funds through punitive damages. However, the court rarely awards these damages as they serve as a way to punish the liable party for wrongful conduct.

If you can submit a request for compensation, your attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim. They can also calculate your damages.

Time Limits on Filing Your Claim

You have a limited amount of time to submit a claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of someone’s death. Therefore, it is in your best interests to request damages promptly before you lose the right to do so.

A wrongful death attorney understands the challenges that come with wrongful death cases. We are compassionate and empathetic to the fact that you will be in mourning throughout the proceedings. At the same time, we will do everything in our power to hold an at-fault party financially liable for their negligence.

We prioritize your needs, ensuring you and your family can focus on your affairs while your litigation is ongoing. We’ll keep you updated, communicate with you, and collaborate with you.

How to Get Damages through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

We must build a case designed to prove to a judge or jury that you deserve damages. They may use medical records, accident scene photos and videos, and other forms of proof to support your claim. We will focus on finding ways to show that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your family member’s death:

• Duty of care: A party had a legal obligation to avoid any acts that could put people in danger.
• Breach of duty of care: The party was careless and reckless and committed an act that could harm others.
• Causation: Because the party acted the way they did, you lost your family member.
• Damages: You are dealing with economic or non-economic losses related to your family member’s death.

We strive to make it clear to a judge or jury that the defendant in your case is fully responsible for your losses. With a lawyer’s guidance, you can make informed decisions throughout the legal process. We may also be able to negotiate with a liable party or their insurance company and secure a fair settlement.

Do You Need a Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident?

Many families that pursue wrongful death cases do not have to go to court. Instead, they may have opportunities to settle outside the courtroom. We will notify you if the defendant in your case proposes a settlement.

We can help you evaluate the pros and cons of a settlement offer. If we feel a proposal is far less than what you deserve, we will let you know. You do not have to accept an offer unless it meets your expectations.

If you are satisfied with a proposal, you can accept the offer and close your case. On the other hand, you may get a lowball settlement. If you reject this proposal, our team will discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the liable party.

Talk to Us After a Fatal Accident in Westbury

Our team at Levine And Wiss will work diligently to support you after the loss of a loved one. You can rely on a Westbury wrongful death attorney to provide the care and guidance you deserve as we strive to bring your family maximum compensation in your wrongful death case.

We are available to examine your case in detail. We have the information you need about New York wrongful death and survivorship claims. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation from our law firm.