November 26, 2024 | Reading Time: 5 min Losing a loved one is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences in life. When the loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the grief is compounded by the sense of injustice. In these situations, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide surviving family members with a path to accountability and financial compensation. If you’re considering such a claim in New York, understanding the types of damages available is important when seeking justice for your loved one.
What Defines a Wrongful Death Case in New York?
A wrongful death case arises when a person’s death is caused by the legal fault of another party. This fault can stem from a wide range of incidents, including:
- Medical malpractice
- Car accidents
- Workplace or construction site accidents
- Criminal actions
- Death during a supervised activity, such as on a school trip or at a recreational facility
Under New York law, a wrongful death lawsuit is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of surviving family members. This legal process aims to provide financial relief for the losses incurred due to the untimely passing of a loved one.
Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Economic damages represent the tangible, financial losses resulting from the death. In New York, these damages can include:
- Medical Expenses: Any medical bills incurred as a result of the injury or illness leading to the death are recoverable. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, and other treatments the deceased underwent prior to passing.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Families can seek compensation for reasonable funeral and burial expenses, which can be a significant financial burden during an already difficult time.
- Lost Income and Benefits: This includes wages the deceased would have earned had they lived a full working life, adjusted for inflation and taxes. It also accounts for benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and pensions.
- Loss of Inheritance: If the deceased would likely have accumulated wealth or assets to pass down to family members, this potential inheritance can be considered.
- Loss of Services: The monetary value of services the deceased provided to the household, such as childcare, cooking, or home maintenance, may be included in the claim.
Non-Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are more subjective and focus on the emotional and relational impact of the loss. In New York, these damages can encompass:
- Pain and Suffering of the Deceased: Compensation may be awarded for the physical and emotional pain the deceased endured prior to their passing.
- Loss of Parental Guidance: For children of the deceased, the loss of a parent’s love, nurturing, and guidance can have lifelong effects. These damages aim to acknowledge that void.
- Loss of Spousal Companionship: Surviving spouses can claim damages for the emotional and relational loss, including the absence of marital support, affection, and intimacy.
It is important to note that New York law does not currently allow compensation for the emotional distress or grief experienced by surviving family members. This limitation makes it even more essential to fully understand the scope of available damages.
Factors Influencing Damage Calculations
Calculating damages in a wrongful death case requires a thorough evaluation of various factors unique to each situation. Key considerations include:
- Age of the Deceased: Younger individuals may have higher projected lifetime earnings, impacting the compensation amount.
- Health and Life Expectancy: A healthy individual with a long expected lifespan might warrant higher damages compared to someone with pre-existing conditions.
- Dependents and Family Role: The deceased’s role within the family, such as being the primary breadwinner or caregiver, significantly influences the calculation of damages.
- Economic Contributions: Future income, benefits, and services the deceased would have provided are assessed using detailed financial projections.
Challenges in Proving Damages
Wrongful death cases can be legally complex, requiring careful navigation of New York’s statutes and court procedures. Some challenges include:
- Complex Financial Calculations: Estimating future income and benefits often requires the expertise of financial professionals and actuaries.
- Quantifying Intangible Losses: Non-economic damages, such as the loss of guidance or companionship, are inherently subjective and need strong evidence to substantiate claims.
- Proving Fault and Causation: Demonstrating that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused the death is critical to recovering damages.
- Contributory Negligence: If the deceased is found partially responsible for the incident, the compensation amount may be reduced proportionally.
How A Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a wrongful death lawsuit without legal assistance is an overwhelming task for most grieving families. Hiring an experienced attorney is essential to ensuring that your claim is handled efficiently and thoroughly. An attorney can:
- Collect evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, expert testimony, and financial documents.
- Calculate both economic and non-economic damages to maximize your compensation.
- Navigate the legal system, including meeting filing deadlines and procedural requirements.
- Negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Statutes of Limitations in New York
In New York, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is different from those for a personal injury case. Instead of three years, all wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the deceased’s passing. Missing this deadline can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation on your loved one’s behalf. Acting quickly after a wrongful death occurs not only ensures compliance with the law, but also preserves critical evidence for your case.
Cellino Law Is Here To Support You
At Cellino Law, we understand the emotional and financial challenges families face after losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence. With decades of experience handling wrongful death claims, our attorneys are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We approach every case with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
If you believe you have a wrongful death case, don’t wait. Contact Cellino Law today for a free consultation at 888-888-8888.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.