Cellino Law handles the entire legal process so that you and your family can focus on each other and on healing. We investigate the circumstances of the death, identify every party that bears responsibility, and pursue the full scope of compensation available under the law that applies in your state. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific information on wrongful death law and Cellino Law office locations serving your area.
Call Cellino Law today for a free wrongful death consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of the surviving family members or the estate of a person who died as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. Common causes of wrongful death claims that Cellino Law handles include:
- Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Fatal construction accidents and workplace injuries
- Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities caused by negligent drivers
- Nursing home neglect and abuse resulting in death
- Medical malpractice resulting in death
- Defective product fatalities
- Premises liability accidents resulting in death
- Fatal accidents involving drunk or impaired drivers
In each of these situations, the family of the deceased has the right to pursue compensation for the financial and personal losses resulting from the death. Cellino Law will evaluate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, explain your legal options, and pursue justice and accountability on behalf of your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The procedural rules governing who can bring a wrongful death claim vary by state. Cellino Law serves clients in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and the rules differ across all three.
In New York, a wrongful death action must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving distributees — the people who would inherit under New York law. These typically include a surviving spouse, children, and in some cases parents. Visit our New York page for a full overview of how New York wrongful death law applies to your family’s situation.
In New Jersey, a wrongful death action is also brought by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of the surviving dependents, including the surviving spouse, children, and in some cases other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased. Visit our New Jersey page for a full overview of how New Jersey wrongful death law applies.
In Connecticut, the executor or administrator of the estate brings the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and surviving beneficiaries. Connecticut also allows a separate claim for the deceased’s conscious pain and suffering experienced between the injury and death. Visit our Connecticut page for a full overview of how Connecticut wrongful death law applies.
Cellino Law will identify the correct claimants and proper procedural framework from the outset and ensure your family’s rights are fully protected.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death claims are designed to compensate surviving family members for the financial losses caused by the death. Depending on the state and the specific facts of your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost financial support the deceased would have provided over their expected working life
- Lost household services and contributions the deceased provided to the family
- Medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of the fatal injury or illness
- Loss of parental guidance, nurturing, and companionship for surviving children
- Conscious pain and suffering experienced by the deceased between the injury and death, recoverable under Survival Act claims in applicable states
- Punitive damages in cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on the age and earning capacity of the deceased, the number and ages of surviving dependents, the duration of any conscious suffering, and the specific legal framework of the state where the claim is filed. Cellino Law works with economic experts and life care planners to document and pursue every element of your family’s losses.
Lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? Contact Cellino Law for a compassionate free consultation.
How Wrongful Death Law Varies by State
Wrongful death law differs meaningfully across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and understanding which framework applies to your family’s situation is essential to pursuing the correct claim.
In New York, the Wrongful Death Act provides for recovery of the financial losses suffered by the deceased’s distributees. New York also permits a separate Survival Act claim on behalf of the estate for the deceased’s own pain and suffering and economic losses between the injury and death. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in New York is two years from the date of death. If a government entity is involved, a Notice of Claim within 90 days may be required. Visit our New York page for a full overview of New York wrongful death law.
In New Jersey, the Wrongful Death Act compensates the surviving dependents for their financial losses, including lost support and services. A separate survival claim may also be available for the deceased’s pre-death pain and suffering. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death. Government entity claims require a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days. Visit our New Jersey page for a full overview of New Jersey wrongful death law.
In Connecticut, wrongful death claims are brought by the estate’s representative for the benefit of the surviving heirs. The state allows recovery for both the economic losses of survivors and the deceased’s pre-death suffering. Connecticut’s wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Visit our Connecticut page for a full overview of Connecticut wrongful death law.
For a full explanation of how the law in your state applies to your family’s specific situation, visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page, or contact Cellino Law directly for a free, confidential consultation.
How Cellino Law Handles Wrongful Death Cases
Cellino Law approaches wrongful death cases with both legal rigor and genuine compassion for the families we represent. We conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death, gather medical records and expert opinions, work with economic analysts to calculate the full value of the financial losses, and build a comprehensive claim that accounts for every element of your family’s damages.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and the parties responsible for the death, protecting your family from the aggressive tactics adjusters sometimes employ to minimize wrongful death payouts. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, Cellino Law is fully prepared to litigate your case through trial.
Throughout the process, you will have direct access to your legal team and consistent, clear updates on the status of your case. Cellino Law understands that these cases are among the most difficult legal matters a family can face, and we treat every family we represent with the dignity and respect they deserve.
We’ve recovered millions for families across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Let Cellino Law fight for the results your family deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the liability questions, the number of parties involved, and whether the case resolves through settlement or requires trial. Some wrongful death claims resolve within a year or two through settlement negotiations. More complex cases may take longer. Cellino Law works efficiently to move your case forward without sacrificing the quality of the outcome or the completeness of the damages we pursue.
What if the party responsible also faces criminal charges?
A criminal prosecution and a civil wrongful death claim are separate legal proceedings. A criminal conviction is powerful evidence in the civil case, but even if no criminal charges are filed or the defendant is acquitted, a civil wrongful death claim can proceed independently. The standard of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal proceedings. Cellino Law will advise you on how the criminal proceedings affect your civil claim and pursue your family’s rights through the appropriate channels.
Does Cellino Law charge upfront fees for wrongful death cases?
No. Cellino Law handles all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no legal fees of any kind unless we successfully recover compensation for your family. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Contact Cellino Law for Wrongful Death Representation Today
If your family has lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, Cellino Law is ready to help. Call today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. We will review the circumstances of your loved one’s death, explain your legal rights, and begin building your family’s claim with the care and determination you deserve. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific resources and office information.
Call Cellino Law today to schedule your free wrongful death consultation. Trust. Experience. Results.
