Losing a loved one under tragic circumstances is devastating. At Towey Law, PLLC, our compassionate legal team of Buffalo wrongful death lawyers are here to help. If you suspect your loved one’s death is due to an act of negligence or carelessness, our wrongful death attorneys in Buffalo may be able to get the answers you need. While wrongful death claims are difficult, they can be necessary to attain justice and closure. Monetary compensation will never alleviate your grief, but it can serve to ease any unexpected financial burdens caused by a loved one’s untimely death.
Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers will handle your claim with sensitivity and respect. Schedule a free consultation by calling (716) 300-8232.
Resources on This Page
- Why Hire A Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney From Towey Law?
- What Does A Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney Do?
- How Can a Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
- What Damages Are Available in a Buffalo Wrongful Death Claim?
- What Is the Statute of Limitations on a New York Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- Active Bill: How the Grieving Families Act Could Change New York’s Wrongful Death Laws
- Contact A Buffalo Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Why Hire A Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney From Towey Law?
As native Buffalonians, the attorneys of Towey Law PLLC are dedicated to serving the people of the community:
- The attorneys at Towey Law will meet at your convenience, whether by phone, video call, or traveling to discuss your case in person.
- Our lawyers put our clients’ needs first and have successfully recovered over a million dollars in compensation.
- We believe every client is entitled to direct communication with their attorney.
What Does A Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney Do?
Wrongful death claims are sensitive and emotional. They deserve to be handled with compassion and dignity. Towey Law, PLLC has helped many families put their lives back together after a devastating loss.
It is important to know that whether criminal charges have been filed or not, you are still entitled to seek justice for your loss in civil court. Our Buffalo car accident lawyers believe when someone’s negligence results in the loss of a loved one, they should be held accountable.
Wrongful death claims are a critical component of the justice system. They serve to deter others from engaging in the same careless behavior. Families of lost loved ones pursue wrongful death suits to:
- Prevent future deaths by bringing attention to the negligent act
- Gain answers to questions that linger after a tragedy
- Help achieve closure so they can grieve in peace
Wrongful death claims are not filed for financial gain, but the amount of compensation will represent the severity of wrong-doing. Let Towey Law, PLLC address the careless and reckless actions that led to your loss and help avert more unnecessary tragedies.
How Can a Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
If you have lost a loved one under preventable circumstances, our compassionate attorneys are here for you. We can help families who have suffered losses involving:
- Fires
- Inhalation of smoke and toxic gases
- Truck accidents
- Drug poisoning
- Drownings
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slips and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Intentional violence
- Chemical exposure
- Firearms
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home negligence
If a loved one passed away due to the events of a motor vehicle accident, call our Buffalo truck accident lawyers today.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
If you wish to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in New York, you must be classified as the personal representative (also referred to as the administrator or executor) of the deceased individual’s estate. New York law does not allow family members to file this type of claim unless the individual is also the personal representative of the estate. If your family member passed after the accident due to injury, family can file a survival action claim.
What Damages Are Available in a Buffalo Wrongful Death Claim?
Holding someone accountable for wrongful death gives your family the opportunity to obtain justice for a preventable accident in Buffalo. It can also provide surviving family members and beneficiaries with financial relief in the face of expensive funeral costs and lost earnings. The damages, or financial compensation, available in a wrongful death lawsuit in New York include:
- Funeral and burial expenses, up to a reasonable amount
- Any outstanding medical bills related to the wrongful death
- Financial support the decedent would have contributed over his or her lifetime
- The value of lost nonfinancial support and services, such as household services
- The value of lost parental guidance, nurturing, love and care to surviving children
- Lost inheritance
- Pain and suffering endured by the decedent until the time of death
These damages are awarded to surviving close family members or the estate to compensate them for wrongful death. The amount of damages awarded will depend on the situation, such as the age of the decedent at the time of death, his or her earnings, the actions of the defendant, and the insurance coverage available. Note that New York law does not currently permit the recovery of mental anguish, loss of companionship, or pain and suffering damages for a family’s own losses.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to victims of a wrongful death case. Punitive damages in wrongful death claims are intended to punish the defendant and deter people from committing the same negligent actions.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a New York Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
You do not have an unlimited amount of time in which to file a wrongful death cause of action in New York. According to New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law Section 5-4.1, any action brought by a personal representative for a wrongful act, neglect or default that causes the death of an individual must be commenced within two years of the decedent’s death.
If the defendant involved in your wrongful death case is also facing criminal charges for your loved one’s death – such as for homicide or vehicular manslaughter – you will be given one year from the termination of the criminal action to file your lawsuit, notwithstanding that the statute of limitations has already expired or has less than one year remaining.
Another exception exists for deaths that stem from medical malpractice. In this case, the statute of limitations is extended to two and a half years from the date of the victim’s death (New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 214-a). In addition, if the death involves a foreign object left behind in the body of a patient, the action can be commenced within one year of the date of discovery.
If you miss your statute of limitations, the courts will most likely dismiss your case. It is important to contact a wrongful death attorney in Buffalo as soon as possible after you suspect that one or more parties caused or contributed to your loved one’s fatal injury or illness. This is the best way to make sure you meet the deadline in New York.
Impact of the Grieving Families Act on New York’s Wrongful Death Laws
The Grieving Families Act (S.74-A/A.6770) was passed on June 4th, 2024, and allows for the recovery of damages for surviving family members’ grief and anguish, separate and apart from any pecuniary loss. In addition, it would changed the statute of limitations to three years after the decedent’s death. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers are watching the progress of this bill daily to remain updated on the latest version of New York’s wrongful death statute.
Contact A Buffalo Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The esteemed attorneys of Towey Law, PLLC will represent your family’s claim with the respect and sensitivity it deserves. Most suits are settled out of court. However, if your case proceeds to trial, our Buffalo wrongful death attorneys will fight by your side. We will honor the memory of your lost loved one by seeking justice and strive to get the closure you and your family need to move on.
Contact our compassionate legal team today and schedule a free consultation. You can contact us by clicking here or calling (716) 300-8232.