Queens Wrongful Death Lawyer

An unexpected death in the family can be one of the most devastating losses someone can suffer. Beyond emotional hardships, surviving loved ones can face unexpected and ongoing financial hardships. During a difficult ordeal, a Queens wrongful death lawyer can provide you and your family with the answers and accountability that you deserve. Justice can come in the form of fair compensation when you take decisive action by hiring an attorney. 

Wrongful Death Lawyers Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

No amount of money can begin to make up for the unimaginable harm you and your family have gone through, but a fair settlement can help your loved ones find the answers and accountability needed to move forward after a wrongful death. When you work with our trial-ready lawyers, you gain support from a compassionate and dedicated team of litigators. 

We take enough time to learn about the setbacks and harm you and other family members have been through. Those details can matter greatly when building a claim that holds the negligent party accountable for the harm they cause. Whether your case resolves through a settlement or court verdict, our law firm is prepared to stand with you through thick and thin until justice is served.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in Queens

There are many potential causes of wrongful deaths in Queens, although some are more common than others. The violent crime rate in Queens stands at 3.545 per 1,000 residents per year, and assaults and homicides can provide legal grounds for taking the assailant to civil court. A premises liability claim can also involve a preventable death. Every year, falls lead to roughly one million hospitalizations for seniors, and some cases can prove fatal. 

In 2024, Queens saw 74 traffic fatalities, with 57 being recorded the following year. Negligent drivers can be held liable for causing a death. Other possible causes of wrongful deaths include medical malpractice, defective products, workplace injuries, pedestrian accidents, nursing home neglect, bicycle collisions, and motorcycle accidents. 

Does My Family’s Case Qualify for a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under New York law, a wrongful death claim may be a viable option when someone’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. These claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of surviving members of the family. 

Common causes of wrongful death claims include car accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and other causes. Before a claim can be filed, surviving loved ones typically work with a wrongful death lawyer to identify the party at fault and establish liability. Then, a claim can be filed in court. 

Establishing Fault Following a Wrongful Death

Establishing fault is a key first step for anyone seeking compensation through a wrongful death claim. The process typically involves demonstrating that the other party’s actions or failure to act contributed to a loved one’s death. Depending on the facts of the case, liability could rest with a driver, property owner, contractor, medical provider, manufacturer, or another responsible party. 

Evidence often plays a critical role in determining fault. Accident reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and other documentation can help establish how the fatal incident occurred. Once liability is established, surviving members of the family may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

What to Expect During a Wrongful Death Claim in Queens

Wrongful death claims are often highly complex, and a case could require several months or longer to resolve, depending on the complexities of the claim and the responsible party’s willingness to accept liability. Wrongful death claims typically begin with the gathering of evidence. It is important to correctly identify the defendant in the case and other responsible parties. 

Once those steps are completed, the representative of the estate can pursue compensation directly from the liable party or their representative, which is usually an insurance company. Many claims are resolved through negotiations, while other cases may focus on litigation and, ultimately, a trial. Legal support can play a key role in protecting your rights at every stage of the process. 

Compensation Your Family May Be Owed

Wrongful death claims are often resolved through a negotiated settlement. In rare cases, a claim may go to trial where a judge or jury decides who is at fault and what level of compensation is appropriate. Regardless of the path you choose, your financial recovery would generally cover financial losses your family suffered, along with payments for the intangible forms of harm you endured through pain and suffering. 

Financial losses can reflect funeral and burial costs, past medical bills, loss of future earnings, and other tangible forms of harm that resulted from the defendant’s reckless conduct or negligence. 

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Whether your family suffered a preventable death due to an incident in Kew Gardens Hills, Elmhurst, East Flushing, or elsewhere in Queens, your top priority should be to hire a wrongful death lawyer to hold the responsible party accountable for the harm you endured. A wrongful death claim can be highly emotional and legally complex. Working with a Queens wrongful death attorney frees your family to focus on personal matters.

While you settle affairs and mourn the loss of a loved one, your lawyer can pursue compensation based on their knowledge of wrongful death laws and the ideal path for pursuing compensation. At every step of the process, your lawyer can keep you updated on important matters, so you are never left in the dark on crucial developments tied to your case. Legal support can ultimately provide the accountability and justice that your family deserves. 

Contact a Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

The loss of a loved one can leave families facing emotional hardships, financial uncertainty, and difficult questions about the future. While no amount of compensation can undo what happened, a wrongful death claim can provide accountability and the financial support needed to move forward.

The attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, represent families throughout Queens who are seeking justice after the preventable loss of a loved one. Our legal team takes a personalized approach to every case by conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and building strong claims that position our clients for favorable outcomes. Get in contact with Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, today to discuss your legal options.

Attorneys

Matthew Sakkas Esq.

Partner

Adam D. Cahn Esq.

Managing Partner

Mitchel E. Weiss Esq.

Associate Attorney