Your Wrongful Death Lawyers
New York City Wrongful Death Attorneys
The lawyers at German Rubenstein LLP have experience representing families that have suffered through the wrongful death of a family member. If you lost a family member as the result of an accident or the negligence of someone else, we are here to help you fight for justice.
A wrongful death claim may be filed if someone died as the result of the negligence or intentional act of another. A surviving child, spouse, parent, or dependent may have a claim to recover damages for the wrongful death of his or her loved one.
What is a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death is a broad area of law in which someone dies through the negligence of another. Wrongful death cases commonly result from motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, product malfunctions, and construction accidents.
An action arising out of a negligent act resulting in a decedent’s wrongful death should also include a separate claim (the decedent’s survival claim) for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering prior to death.
If you have suffered as the result of the wrongful death of a family member, take the following steps:
- Make A Report · Call 911 or the police and have them complete an accident, incident, or police report
- Take Photographs · If you are physically able, take pictures of the scene, and evidence surrounding your loved one’s wrongful death. You must save these pictures and provide copies to your attorneys.
- Witness Information · If there are witnesses, make sure to get their name and contact information. Make sure the witnesses are identified in any report.
- Call An Attorney · Wrongful death incidents are caused by the negligent of another. You need a New York wrongful death attorney on your side. The attorneys at German Rubenstein LLP can help you – call us at 214-704-2020
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
After you have suffered the loss of a loved one, you may be facing financial, emotional, and psychological trauma. The lawyers at German Rubenstein LLP will provide sound legal advice and fight for you, so that you can avoid costly mistakes. As your attorneys, we will:
- Help you deal with your emotional pain and suffering
- Investigate your claim to determine who may be liable for your loved one’s death
- Gather and review all evidence
- Evaluate your potential compensation
- Consult with experts including medical and other experts
- Litigate on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome
- Negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement
- Try your case to verdict if a settlement cannot be reached
Common Questions About Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Case?
Pursuant to Section 5-4.1 of The New York Estates, Powers and Trust Laws (“EPTL”) a personal representative of the estate of the deceased person may bring a lawsuit for wrongful death. In general, you have two years of the decedent’s death for the representative to initiate the wrongful death lawsuit.
What are the Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases?
- Car accident
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Failure to diagnose medical conditions
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Nursing home negligence
What are Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrian Accidents?
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Foot injuries
- Ankle injuries
- Knee injuries
- Hand injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
How Much is My Case Worth?
Section 5-4.3 of the EPTL (the pecuniary loss statute) provides that the personal representative of a decedent’s estate may sue for pecuniary (monetary) loss on behalf of those persons who would recover under the estate. Pecuniary loss claims may include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of support
- Loss of assistance or services
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of guidance and care
- Loss of physical, moral, and intellectual training
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Lawsuit?
The Statute of Limitations is the legal time frame within which you must file a lawsuit related to a specific event. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, you may lose your right to sue due to the statute of limitations expiring. If you think you might have a legal claim, it is crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to assess your situation and determine the best course of action.
No Recovery, No Fee.
If you don’t win, we don’t get paid.
Contact the attorneys at German Rubenstein LLP today for a free consultation: (212) 704-2020.
Case Results
$225,000,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
The suit sought compensation for extensive damage Exxon caused to natural resources.
$2,125,000
Construction Accidents
$2.1M for plumber injured by debris at school site; knee surgeries after construction fall.
$103,000,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Lead & arsenic contamination from old smelter leads to Carteret NJ homeowner settlement.
$2,000,000
Trip & Fall
Airline worker wins $2M after pilot’s door push led to neck & shoulder surgeries.
$1,500,000
Car Accidents
Union worker hit by drunk driver wins $1.5M for shoulder, neck & knee injuries.
$5,500,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Settlement for Missouri residents whose water was polluted with trihalomethanes.
$600,000
Trip & Fall
Hotel guest wins $600K settlement after tripping over defective dresser.
$19,500,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Defendants to fund city drinking water for desert town after well contamination.
$1,500,000
Car Accidents
Bus matron gets $1.5M after NYC sweeper crash led to spinal fusion surgery.
$750,000
Car Accidents
Driver gets $750K after school bus crash caused herniated discs, spinal surgery.
$9,000,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Settlement for Dayton, OH residents over Behr Superfund site vapor intrusion.
$650,000
Car Accidents
Driver wins $650K after bus rear-end crash despite defense claim of prior injuries.
$10,017,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Honeywell settles over chromium waste disposal in Jersey City, NJ.
$2,250,000
Slip & Fall
NYC teacher needs surgery after slip on wet school floor hurts neck & back.
$2,000,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
$2M recovered for homeowners over property damage from smelter emissions.
$500,000
Slip & Fall
NYC man needs surgery for quad tear after fall on defective building stairs.
$1,250,000
Truck Accidents
Trucker wins $1.25M after box truck rear-end crash led to spinal fusion surgery.
$500,000
Consumer Protection
Woman gets $500K settlement after fertility clinic’s improper embryo transport.
$550,000
Slip & Fall
Man wins $550K for brain injury from slip on poorly cleared snow at NYC rec center.
$5,000,000
Environmental – Toxic Torts
Property owners say PPG responsible for hexavalent chromium waste deposits.
Serving all of New York, New Jersey and throughout the United States.
German Rubenstein LLP
19 West 44th Street
Suite 1500
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212.704.2020
Email: info@germanrubenstein.com
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