Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can face. When that loss is caused by another party's negligence or wrongful actions, the pain is compounded by questions of "Why?" and "How could this have been prevented?"
A Riverhead wrongful death lawyer from Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, can provide the guidance and legal support you need to seek justice for your loved one and hold the responsible party accountable. We understand this is an extremely difficult time for you and your family, and we are here to help you take the necessary steps toward healing and recovery.
If your loved one’s passing was caused by someone else's reckless decisions or carelessness, you don’t have to face this alone. Call Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Riverhead, call 516-451-7900
Why Choose Rosenberg & Gluck LLP for Your Riverhead Wrongful Death Case
We know that choosing the right law firm to represent you in such a sensitive and complex matter is an important decision. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. Here's why families in Riverhead and throughout Long Island trust us:
- Proven Results and Local Knowledge We have a long history of success representing families in wrongful death cases. Our deep experience in the Long Island court system means we know how to effectively navigate local rules and procedures, giving your case the best chance of success.
- Focused on Personal Injury Personal injury law is our sole focus. Unlike firms that juggle multiple legal disciplines, we focus on injury and wrongful death cases, allowing us to dedicate maximum focus and resources to your case. If you're trying to find the right personal injury lawyer, working with a team that concentrates exclusively on these cases can make a significant difference in the outcome.
- Responsive and Compassionate Representation We understand that every case is about more than just legalities; it’s about your family’s story and ensuring those who caused your pain are held accountable. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and the personal attention they deserve during this challenging time.
- Resources to Stand Up Against Insurance Companies Wrongful death cases often involve powerful insurance companies and well-funded defendants. Our firm is equipped with the financial resources and legal acumen to level the playing field. We do not back down from a challenge, whether it’s during negotiations or in the courtroom.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to the reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of another party. New York law allows surviving family members of the victim to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek accountability and compensation for the harm endured. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief for expenses, allow the family to grieve without additional stress, and help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths can arise from many types of accidents and incidents. Some of the most common causes include:- Car Accidents Due to distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or failure to obey traffic laws, car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in Riverhead and across the country.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable to devastating injuries when drivers fail to share the road or exercise caution near crosswalks or bike lanes.
- Medical Malpractice Errors by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals—including misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or medication errors—can lead to preventable fatalities.
- Defective Products Design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate safety warnings on products can lead to fatal accidents, from malfunctioning vehicle parts to unsafe household items.
- Slip and Fall Accidents Unsafe premises, such as wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting, can result in fatal injuries, especially for elderly individuals.
- Construction or Workplace Accidents Dangerous jobsites or a lack of safety measures can lead to fatal falls, equipment failures, or exposure to hazardous materials.
- Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse Vulnerable elderly residents in nursing homes may experience neglect or abuse that leads to premature death.
- Violent Acts If your loved one was intentionally harmed or killed in a violent act, your family may be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Riverhead Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me516-451-7900
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case in Riverhead?
Understanding whether your situation qualifies for a wrongful death claim can be confusing, especially during such an emotional time. Most wrongful death cases are based on the legal concept of negligence. This means proving that the responsible party's careless actions directly caused your loved one's passing.
To successfully bring a wrongful death lawsuit, you and your Riverhead wrongful death lawyer will need to prove four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care The defendant must have owed a duty of care to the victim. This means they were expected to act in a way that avoids causing harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely to prevent accidents.
- Breach of Duty The defendant must have violated this duty of care. This could involve reckless driving, failing to maintain a property, or providing substandard medical care.
- Causation It must be established that the defendant's actions directly caused your loved one's death. This step often involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, or expert testimony to connect the defendant’s breach of duty to the fatal outcome.
- Damages Finally, you must show that the death caused tangible losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, or emotional suffering endured by surviving family members.
Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases can often be complex and require detailed evidence to establish the defendant's liability. At the same time, you may find yourself up against large insurance companies or corporations that are more interested in protecting their bottom line than providing justice. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled legal team on your side to handle all the challenges and ensure your case progresses smoothly.Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
Under New York law, a wrongful death lawsuit may only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person. This individual, often a family member, is usually named in the decedent’s will. If not, the courts will assign someone to be the personal representative.
If you are unsure whether you have legal standing to file a claim, our team can evaluate your situation and explain your rights. We can also walk you through what’s involved if you decide to file a wrongful death suit, including who can bring the claim and what compensation may be available based on your relationship to the deceased.
Who Can Recover Compensation in a Riverhead Wrongful Death Case?
Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit is generally awarded to specific surviving family members who suffered financial or emotional losses due to the death. These may include:- The surviving spouse of the deceased
- The children of the deceased
- The parents or siblings of the deceased, particularly when the victim has no spouse or children
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What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Riverhead?
While no amount of money can fill the void left by your loved one’s absence, a wrongful death lawsuit can alleviate some of the financial burden and seek compensation for the harm caused by the negligent party. Damages in a wrongful death case in Riverhead may include:- Medical expenses – Costs related to the care your loved one received between the incident and their passing.
- Funeral and burial costs – These often-significant expenses can be reimbursed through a wrongful death claim.
- Loss of financial support – Surviving family members may recover damages for the income and benefits that the deceased person would have contributed to the household.
- Loss of parental guidance – This applies to intangible losses, such as the nurturing, advice, or companionship the deceased provided to their children.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Riverhead, NY?
It’s crucial to act quickly when considering a wrongful death lawsuit, as New York imposes a strict statute of limitations. Generally, the law gives surviving family members two years from the date of death to file a claim. However, there are exceptions:- If the death resulted from medical malpractice, delays in recognizing the harm caused by a healthcare provider may affect the timeline.
- When filing against a government entity, additional procedural requirements and deadlines may apply, potentially shortening the time frame to as little as 90 days.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help with My Case?
Pursuing a wrongful death claim is never easy, especially when you’re already coping with overwhelming grief. An experienced wrongful death attorney can lighten your burden by managing the legal complexities on your behalf. Here are several ways a lawyer from Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP can help with your case:- Explaining your rights – We’ll walk you through the legal process and help you understand your options at every stage.
- Proving liability – Our team conducts a thorough investigation to identify the at-fault parties and gather solid evidence of negligence or wrongdoing.
- Calculating damages – We’ll ensure the compensation you seek covers not only immediate expenses like medical bills but also long-term financial and emotional losses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Insurers may attempt to minimize your payout. We advocate fiercely to secure the compensation you and your family deserve.
- Litigating in court – If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to represent you in court and fight for justice on your behalf.
- Offering compassionate support – Throughout the process, we remain sensitive to the emotional toll this loss has taken and strive to ease your stress.
Contact Our Trusted Riverhead Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
The loss of a loved one is an unspeakable tragedy, and when that loss could have been prevented, the grief can feel even heavier. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we are committed to helping grieving families in Riverhead and throughout Long Island hold negligent parties accountable. Our goal is to seek justice for your loved one while providing the support and guidance you need to move forward.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness, it’s time to take action. Contact our compassionate team today to discuss your case. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights. Contact us today at (631) 451-7900 or through our online form to get started. Together, we’ll fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.