Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Losing a loved one is among life’s most devastating experiences. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grief can feel even heavier. Our Manhattan wrongful death lawyers will guide you through this overwhelming time.
At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we have been empowering injured victims and their families to fight for justice since 2013. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You.
Our team has recovered over $1 billion, and we continue to win big awards and settlements for our clients. You can trust our personal injury lawyers in Manhattan to protect your rights. Call today for a free legal consultation.
Compassionate Manhattan Wrongful Death Lawyers
We understand that no two losses are the same and no two families grieve in the same way. Our Manhattan wrongful death attorneys approach every case with empathy, respect, and unwavering dedication. We are the community we serve.
Our office reflects the diversity of New York City, from Manhattan to the surrounding boroughs, and we take pride in standing alongside families from every walk of life.
When tragedy strikes, navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. Our team works tirelessly to handle the nuances of your case, fight for justice, and pursue the compensation your family deserves. We combine compassion with strength, offering guidance, support, and clear advocacy every step of the way.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Wrongful death cases arise when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another. Multiple types of accidents can lead to these tragic losses, and each situation carries unique legal and emotional challenges.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Manhattan also serve as:
- Car accident lawyers in Manhattan: Collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers can have fatal consequences, leaving families devastated and facing sudden loss.
- Truck accident lawyers in Manhattan: Large commercial vehicles pose heightened risks. Driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or violations of safety regulations can lead to catastrophic crashes.
- Motorcycle accident lawyers in Manhattan: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. Even minor errors by another driver can result in fatal injuries.
- Bicycle accident lawyers in Manhattan: Cyclists are extremely vulnerable in traffic. Collisions with cars, trucks, or unsafe road conditions can lead to fatal injuries.
- Pedestrian accident lawyers in Manhattan: When a pedestrian is struck due to a driver’s negligence, the outcome can be deadly, often leaving families with no warning or time to prepare.
Even if you lost your loved one in a different type of fatal accident, call us to learn how we can help. Our team easily adapts proven strategies to the unique details of your case. We listen, and we act.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim allows family members to seek compensation when someone dies because of another person’s actions. Every state has laws governing these claims, and following the specific legal rules is crucial; missing a requirement can cause the case to be dismissed.
“Wrongful death” covers any death caused by someone else’s intentional act or negligence. It doesn’t matter whether the death was deliberate, like an assault, or accidental, such as a car crash. The key point is that the death resulted from another party’s wrongdoing.
Wrongful Death Damages You May Recover
In New York, wrongful death damages are designed to compensate families for the financial losses caused by a loved one’s death. These awards are meant to make the survivors whole, covering tangible costs and losses rather than emotional suffering.
Unlike many states that impose limits on wrongful death awards, New York has no caps; families can recover the full amount a court or jury determines is fair. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we always fight for the highest compensation amount possible for each case.
Common types of compensation in a wrongful death case include:
- Funeral and burial expenses paid by the family
- Medical costs for treatment of the final injury or illness
- Lost income or financial support the deceased would have provided
- The value of household help or services that the deceased would have contributed
- Parental care, guidance, and nurturing for surviving children
- Lost inheritance
- Interest on the damages starting from the date of death
Unlike some other claims, New York law does not allow recovery for emotional pain, mental anguish, or loss of companionship. In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer. However, they are difficult to obtain and rarely awarded.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York
In New York, wrongful death claims are subject to strict statutes of limitation. This means you have a limited window of time to file a lawsuit after a loved one’s death. Waiting too long can prevent you from pursuing fair compensation.
According to N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 5-4.1.1, generally, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the decedent’s death. Certain circumstances may slightly alter this deadline, but the timeframe is short, and courts enforce it rigorously.
Call Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Manhattan
As New York’s premier injury law firm, we stand with families, ensuring your voice is heard and your loved one’s memory honored. When you work with Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, you have a team that cares, understands, and is ready to fight for you.
Call today to consult our wrongful death lawyers in Manhattan.