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Wrongful Death

Syracuse Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful Death Claims in New York

Accidents that leave people injured happen every day in Central New York. Many times, they are caused by the negligence of another party. Sadly, sometimes these injuries are fatal. The wrongful death attorneys at Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC help families hold negligent parties accountable.

No amount of money can bring lost loved ones back to their families. But our attorneys can help family members recover compensation as they adjust to the loss and rebuild their lives. This is especially important if the loved one had been a provider for the family.

-- Syracuse Attorneys Helping Families Recover Compensation --

Have you lost a loved one due to someone else's negligent behavior? Contact our wrongful death attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.

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What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death case is one in which one or more parties acted negligently or recklessly, causing a fatality. This negligent or reckless behavior may have occurred as a result of medical malpractice, using a defective product, a motor vehicle accident, a work accident or other type of accident.

What Types of Accidents Can Cause a Wrongful Death?

Who Pays for a Wrongful Death Claim?

In a wrongful death claim, the defendant and their insurance providers will be the parties that “pay” for your damages. Typically, the payments come entirely from the insurance provider, though. Insurance policies are sold to prevent individuals from having to pay damages out of their pockets, after all.

When an insurance cap is reached and all damages have not been covered, though, there might be a reason to pursue compensation directly from the defendant. For example, if a drunk driver’s auto insurance policy maxes out but you are still not fully compensated for the loss of your loved one, then you might be able to demand they pay for damages from their own savings. Let us guide you through the entire process, so you can know if seeking damages directly from the defendant is even a viable or fruitful option.

Can You Sue a Dead Person for Wrongful Death?

Did you lose a loved one to an accident that also claimed the life of the person who caused it? As strange as it might sound, you can technically sue the dead defendant for compensation. Except, you aren’t naming them as a defendant. Rather, you will name their estate as the defendant, and any damages you can collect will be removed from the value of their estate or estate-related insurance policies.

Wrongful Death Damages

Our attorneys offer compassionate representation and will determine the true damages suffered by your family. Depending on the details of the accident, these may include damages for:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical expenses for the treatment of your loved one
  • Loss of income
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of parental care and guidance
  • Loss of inheritance for surviving children
  • Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one before death

Is Wrongful Death Hard to Prove?

You can think of a wrongful death claim as a personal injury claim, except the person who was injured cannot file the claim themselves. In this way, the same sort of evidence you could use to prove liability in a personal injury claim can be used in a wrongful death claim. Is wrongful death hard to prove? Not any more than it is to prove liability in a personal injury case.

Oftentimes, the effectiveness of a wrongful death claim brought against a defendant depends on the available evidence. Everything from police reports and eyewitness testimonies to medical records can be useful when determining the cause of wrongful death. Our attorneys can look everywhere possible for evidence that builds your case.

New York Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

New York uses a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. The two-year statute begins on the date of the decedent’s passing, not necessarily on the day they were injured or diagnosed with a fatal condition. If two years pass since that date and no claim is filed against the liable party, then there is virtually no chance to demand compensation later. Don’t let this statute of limitations expire without exploring your legal options with our attorneys’ assistance.

How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help

Wrongful death cases can be very complex. Negligent parties typically deny responsibility for what happened. Insurance companies will do what they can to keep any payment as low as possible. But our firm was built on helping clients win complex cases. We have the knowledge, experience and resources needed to get results.

Our legal team investigates your loved one's accident to find out what really happened. Our personal injury attorneys know where to find evidence of negligence. We build the strongest case possible and will fight for your loved one in court, if needed. Many times, we are able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that meets your needs.

-- A Record of Getting Results --

If you lost a loved one in an accident caused by the negligence of another, we can help. Contact us for a free consultation. We can answer your questions and go over your legal options.

Record-Setting Victories for Our Clients

Millions of Dollars Won for Victims of Personal Injury
  • Airplane Crash Results in Death $5,500,000

    Legal action taken against an airplane manufacturer after a crash resulting in severe burns and wrongful death (Federal District Court, Northern District of New York).

  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death $5,500,000

    Legal action taken against an SUV manufacturer and repair shop for personal injury and wrongful death (Supreme Court, Onondaga County).

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Hear It From Our Clients & Colleagues

  • “He is doing a great job for me and I love it! His website says he is one of the 500 Best Lawyers in America, and from what I have seen, I believe it!”

    - Former Client
  • “I cannot overemphasize the skills, integrity, and excellence in the practice of law exhibited by John Cherundolo. His mastery of the law cannot be overstated. It is an inspiration to watch him tirelessly champion his clients' interests.”

    - Robert B.
  • “I unequivocally endorse him and his law firm for all matters related to litigation and personal injury. He is a tremendous asset to the legal community and CNY as a whole.”

    - Anthony M.
  • “Amazing lawyers. The best you can get.”

    - Former Client
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Why Choose Cherundolo Law Firm?

Your Future Is Worth Fighting For
  • Maximized Case Value

    We are committed to maximizing the value of every case to ensure that our clients receive the necessary compensation to get back on their feet.

  • Experience on Your Side

    We possess decades of experience fighting for justice on behalf of people who have suffered serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

  • Direct Involvement in Your Case

    Our partners are directly involved in every case that we take on, ensuring that each client receives the dedicated attention he or she deserves.

  • Record-Setting Results

    We have secured many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, including the largest award in Onondaga County.

Let Us Fight Your Battle

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