New York Personal Injury Lawyers

Wrongful Death

$21.5 Million - Rafael C

Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP Are Experienced & Successful New York Serious Injury Lawyers with Results Exceeding $500 Million

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers: Seeking Justice

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most devastating experiences. Grieving families are suddenly faced with the loss of someone they held dear who provided love, companionship, affection, guidance, instruction, and often vital financial income or household services. When such a loss is caused by the negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or deliberate action of another, the emotional trauma for families is often intensified by the knowledge that the death should never have happened and could have been prevented. 

Even though financial compensation will never “compensate” for the loss of someone you love, a wrongful death claim can be brought in such situations on behalf of family members. These claims may help ease your pain, bring a sense of closure and justice, and provide you with the financial resources to move forward. At Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP, our team of New York wrongful death attorneys is here to help you recover the losses suffered in wrongful death. 

We fight for the compensation you need and deserve. One example of our success involved a $21.5 million structured settlement in a wrongful death case in New York City regarding the death of a sanitation worker (Rafael C v. the City of New York and St. Barnabas Hospital). No wrongful death case is like any other. However, the outcome of your case depends upon a variety of unique factors. We will help you understand the value of your case and seek every dollar available to you.

Talk to a New York wrongful death attorney at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP about your case in a free evaluation. We can be reached online or at (212) 732-2929 for appointments. 

What Is a Wrongful Death in New York?

Wrongful death is defined under New York Estate Powers & Trust § 5-4.1 (2021) which states that it is a death caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or attack. In such a matter, had the deceased party survived, he or she would have had the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Because the injuries were fatal, that is no longer possible. However, others can file a claim on behalf of the deceased party. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In New York, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members are not allowed to do so unless they have been designated as personal representatives. In these cases, the personal representative seeks damages on behalf of the estate and family survivors to compensate for the death. 

Here are the beneficiaries of a wrongful death lawsuit in New York:

  • Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased is usually the primary beneficiary in a wrongful death lawsuit in New York. If there is no surviving spouse, the next beneficiaries in line are typically the deceased person’s children.
  • Children: If the deceased person had children, they are often considered beneficiaries in a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased had multiple children, the compensation may be divided equally among them.
  • Parents: If the deceased person had no spouse or children, their parents may be entitled to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in New York.
  • Other dependents: In some cases, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased person may be considered beneficiaries and entitled to compensation. This could include stepchildren, adopted children, or other relatives who relied on the deceased for financial support.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

Damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim will depend on the circumstances of the case.

Typical damages in these cases have included:

  • Pain and suffering caused to the deceased person before death
  • Medical expenses incurred by the deceased person before his or her death
  • Lost earnings that the deceased would have provided the family
  • The value of the lost services or support the deceased would have provided
  • The value of lost care, nurture, and guidance the deceased would have provided his or her children
  • Lost inheritance 
  • Funeral and burial costs

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Unfortunately, based on your query, we are unable to assist you at this time. Our firm specializes in serious accidents and negligence cases, such as car accidents, slips and falls, construction accidents, and other accidents that require hospitalization or ongoing treatment.

Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths can occur in many ways. However, they are all based on the fact that another party was negligent or engaged in a wrongful act that caused the death. 

Examples of causes of wrongful death can include:

Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

One important aspect of proving a wrongful death case is determining who was responsible for your loved one’s accident—and gathering convincing evidence to show that this party is liable. This task is something that we can handle for you, as it can be challenging to examine all the details of your loved one’s accident on your own.

Keep in mind that the person who caused the accident may not be the only person responsible for compensating you. This is yet another aspect of proving liability that can be complicated. For instance, if your loved one passed away in a car crash, you may think that the driver is responsible for your case; however, after we investigate, we may determine that another party is also liable..

Liable parties may include:

  • Owners and operators of motor vehicles
  • Property owners and managers
  • Local or state governmentsConstruction companies
  • Trucking companies
  • Cargo loading companies
  • Vehicle and their part manufacturers
  • Manufacturers of other defective consumer products
  • Dangerous drug and medical device manufacturers
  • Nursing home owners or administrators
  • Hospitals

Through an intensive investigation, we can determine that all appropriate parties are held responsible in your case. 

When the Other Party Shifts Blame 

 Ideally, insurance companies pay wrongful death claims based on the evidence in your case. However, more often than not, people run into complications when attempting to collect a fair settlement. For instance, the liable party may argue that they were not responsible in an attempt to avoid paying for your family’s losses.

You don’t have to deal with these accusations on your own. This is when a proven and trusted legal team can truly help through comprehensive case preparation. If an insurance company tries to challenge or deny your claim, we can prove the other party’s liability based on the compelling evidence that we have gathered. At Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP, we prepare every case for trial which means we are ready for any eventuality, from legal challenges from the other side to lowball settlement offers and jury trials. 

Statute Of Limitations in Wrongful Death 

Your time to bring a claim on behalf of your deceased family member is subject to a statute of limitations. This means you have a certain window of time to file your claim. In general, you have a two-year deadline from the date of your loved one’s death. 

If you fail to bring your claim before the deadline, you may be forever prevented from receiving the financial compensation your family deserves. We recommend that you seek our help as soon as possible in any wrongful death matter.

How We Can Help

At Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP, we play a significant role in helping our clients navigate the complexities of the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve for their loss. Here’s how we can assist with a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • Legal Expertise: We have a deep understanding of New York’s wrongful death laws and procedures. We use our legal expertise to guide our clients through every step of the legal process, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
  • Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of our client’s loved one. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and reviewing relevant documentation to build a strong case on our client’s behalf.
  • Identifying Liable Parties: We determine who may be legally responsible for our client’s loved one’s death. This could include individuals, businesses, or other entities whose negligence or wrongful actions contributed to the fatal accident or incident.
  • Calculating Damages: We work with financial experts to assess the full extent of our client’s losses, including economic damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
  • Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to seek a fair settlement that adequately compensates our clients for their losses. Our goal is to achieve a resolution that provides financial security and closure for our clients without the need for a lengthy and stressful trial.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to take the case to court and advocate vigorously for our client’s rights in front of a judge and jury. We have extensive experience litigating wrongful death cases and are committed to pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.

Throughout the entire process, we provide compassionate support and personalized attention to our clients, guiding them through this difficult time with empathy and understanding. Our team is dedicated to helping our clients obtain justice and compensation for the wrongful death of their loved ones.

Call us today at (212) 732-2929 for a free case evaluation. We want to use our experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Focused on Your Recovery

Brain Damaged Child

$50 Million

A four-year-old boy was brought to the hospital for a routine eyelid repair. To cut costs, the hospital contracted out its anesthesia services to a third-party corporation.

Wrongful Death

$21.5 Million

This accident occurred in the Bronx when our client was working on a sanitation truck. The driver lost control while making a turn. Our client was ejected and the truck ran over his leg.

Pedestrian Injury

$10.3 Million

A 22-year-old theater intern was walking across the intersection of 42nd Street and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan when she was struck by the rear door of a passing truck which had flown open because it had been improperly secured by the driver.

MVA - Police Officer

$31 Million

A 35-year-old New York City Police officer was admitted to Jacobi Hospital with head and limb injuries after a collision.

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Un joven con discapacidad de desarrollo fue golpeado por un autobús de la ciudad mientras cruzaba una intersección, resultando en su trágica muerte. Este caso refleja la experiencia de la firma en casos de accidentes fatales de peatones.
Un ayudante de camarero de 20 años fue atropellado por un automóvil en Ocean Parkway en Brooklyn, lo que lo dejó en coma y con graves lesiones cerebrales.
Una contadora que caminaba después del trabajo en Battery Park fue atropellada por una motoneta de la policía que iba a gran velocidad, resultando en lesiones significativas.
Una pasante de teatro de 22 años caminaba por la intersección de la calle 42 y la Novena Avenida en Manhattan cuando fue golpeada por la puerta trasera de un camión que no estaba asegurada correctamente. Sufrió lesiones graves como resultado.
La Sra. Y-H, pasajera en un tren del metro que descarriló, fue lanzada dentro del vagón y sufrió múltiples fracturas y una lesión cerebral traumática.
Un ayudante de camarero de 20 años fue atropellado por un automóvil en Ocean Parkway en Brooklyn, lo que lo dejó en estado de coma y con lesiones cerebrales graves.
Un repartidor en bicicleta de 26 años fue golpeado por una camioneta Dollar Rent-A- Car que iba a gran velocidad en una intersección concurrida, lo que resultó en múltiples fracturas y daño cerebral leve.
Christian, un niño de 4 años, sufrió daño cerebral severo después de una cirugía rutinaria de párpados caídos en el hospital. Para reducir costos, el hospital subcontrató los servicios de anestesia a una corporación que empleaba principalmente enfermeras anestesistas en lugar de médicos capacitados.
Un niño sufrió lesiones graves después de caerse mientras corría detrás de su autobús escolar y ser atropellado por las ruedas traseras. Este caso demuestra la habilidad de la firma para obtener compensación en accidentes que involucran autobuses escolares y menores.
Un joven chino con discapacidad de desarrollo fue golpeado por un autobús de la ciudad mientras cruzaba una intersección. Este trágico caso de accidente de autobús demuestra la experiencia de la firma en casos de accidentes con transporte público.
La Sra. Y-H era una pasajera en un tren del metro que descarriló. Fue lanzada dentro del vagón y sufrió múltiples fracturas y una lesión cerebral traumática, lo cual destaca la habilidad de la firma para manejar casos complejos de transporte público.
Un ayudante de camarero de 20 años fue atropellado por un automóvil en Ocean Parkway en Brooklyn, sufriendo lesiones graves, incluyendo un coma. Aunque es un caso de peatón, el incidente involucra un vehículo y demuestra la experiencia de la firma en manejar accidentes graves de tránsito.
A pesar de que este caso fue referido a Dansker & Aspromonte 17 años después del accidente, el equipo obtuvo un veredicto impresionante al demostrar que las condiciones de la carretera mojada contribuyeron al accidente grave.
En uno de los casos más trágicos, dos madres y cuatro adolescentes se dirigían a una competencia de natación en la autopista New York State Thruway cuando se sospechó que una llanta estaba desinflada, y la conductora detuvo la camioneta en el carril de circulación, causando un accidente fatal.
Este caso involucró a una niña de 6 años que estaba en una camioneta que fue golpeada por una ambulancia en un choque de múltiples vehículos en Long Island, resultando en fracturas graves que requirieron varias cirugías.
Una oficial de la Policía de la Ciudad de Nueva York de 35 años sufrió lesiones graves mientras era pasajera en un automóvil policial en camino a una llamada de emergencia.
Un carpintero de 46 años cayó de una escalera que resbaló en el sitio de trabajo, lo que le causó lesiones significativas. Este caso ilustra la experiencia de la firma en accidentes de equipo defectuoso en entornos de construcción.
Un carpintero de 30 años cayó de una escalera en un sitio de trabajo en una tienda minorista, resultando en lesiones graves. Este caso subraya la capacidad de la firma para asegurar compensación en accidentes de caídas en proyectos de construcción.
Un inmigrante mexicano sin documentación cayó 30 pies desde un andamio en un sitio de construcción, sufriendo lesiones graves al impactar contra el cemento. Este caso demuestra la experiencia de la firma en caídas en el lugar de trabajo, comunes en la construcción.
Un trabajador de construcción sufrió fracturas en el hombro, clavícula, costillas y cadera, además de lesiones internas que requirieron múltiples cirugías. Este caso destaca la habilidad de la firma para manejar lesiones graves en el lugar de trabajo.
Baby S. was born with a congenital hip dislocation that was not diagnosed or treated properly, leading to a permanent deformity. Although a birth injury, this case emphasizes the firm’s experience with young children suffering from negligence-related injuries.
A young boy sustained severe injuries, including bilateral hip fractures, after he slipped while running after his school bus and was subsequently run over. This case demonstrates the firm’s experience with child injuries involving negligence and transportation safety, relevant to daycare environments.
A baby suffered nerve damage (Erb’s Palsy) due to excessive force during a complicated delivery. This case underscores the firm’s capability in securing justice for young children affected by negligence, a crucial aspect of daycare-related injury cases.
A young girl suffered a severe injury when her ring finger was severed after it became caught in a gap while she slid down a slide at an NYC school playground. This case highlights the firm's experience in handling injuries to children due to unsafe playground equipment.
A 30-year-old carpenter fell from a ladder while working on a job site in a retail store, resulting in serious injuries. This case emphasizes the firm's experience with ladder- related accidents, which are frequent in construction settings.
An undocumented immigrant working on scaffolding at a construction site fell 30 feet onto the cement, resulting in extensive injuries. This case highlights the firm's expertise in handling severe fall injuries common on construction sites.
A construction worker suffered fractures of the shoulder, clavicle, ribs, and hip, as well as internal injuries that required multiple surgeries. This case underscores the severity of construction injuries and the firm's ability to secure significant settlements.
This tragic accident occurred when our client, a sanitation worker, was ejected from his truck in the Bronx after the driver lost control. He was fatally injured when the truck ran over his leg. This case demonstrates the firm's experience with wrongful death claims involving vehicles.
Maria, a housekeeper, was fatally injured when she was struck by a school bus in Brooklyn. She was thrown over 25 feet, suffering life-ending injuries. This case illustrates the firm's ability to pursue justice in severe pedestrian accident cases resulting in fatalities.
Our client, a NYC Parks Department employee, was preparing his truck to spread salt on Staten Island's roads during a snowy night. Tragically, he was struck and killed, underscoring the firm's experience with fatal vehicle accidents involving workplace and road safety.
A 21-year-old developmentally disabled young man was fatally struck by a City bus while walking with friends after school. This wrongful death case demonstrates the firm’s commitment to securing justice in fatal pedestrian and vehicle collision cases.
In one of the most tragic cases handled by the firm, two mothers and their four teenagers were driving to a high school swimming meet when the vehicle had a suspected flat tire. The mother stopped the van in the moving lane, resulting in a fatal accident. This high-profile case highlights the firm's ability to handle complex, fatal freeway accidents.
This tragic accident occurred when our client, a sanitation worker, was ejected from his truck in the Bronx after the driver lost control. He was fatally injured when the truck ran over his leg. This case demonstrates the firm's experience with wrongful death claims involving vehicles.
Un trabajador de construcción de 50 años estaba montando su bicicleta cuando cayó debido a un defecto en la carretera y sufrió pequeñas fracturas y daños cognitivos leves.
Un trabajador de mantenimiento de 31 años golpeó un sensor de presión de control de tráfico de la ciudad de Nueva York mientras montaba su bicicleta. Debido a un mal mantenimiento del sensor, el trabajador sufrió lesiones graves.
Una mujer y su novio estaban andando en bicicleta cuando entraron en un sitio de excavación sin protección en una zona completamente oscura bajo un paso elevado. La bicicleta de Rhonda cayó en un pozo y su cara se estrelló contra la carretera.
Un repartidor en bicicleta de 26 años fue golpeado por una camioneta Dollar Rent-A- Car que iba a gran velocidad en una intersección concurrida, causando múltiples fracturas en el cuello, espalda, brazo y pierna, así como daños cerebrales leves.
Un recién nacido sufrió daño en los nervios y parálisis parcial del brazo izquierdo debido al uso de fuerza excesiva durante un parto complicado en el que debería haberse realizado una cesárea.
Una joven madre primeriza sufrió lesiones graves debido a la negligencia médica del personal en el Hospital Beekman Downtown, causando complicaciones durante el parto.
Un bombero de 42 años se cortó la pierna mientras luchaba contra un incendio. Aunque recibió tratamiento en la clínica, la falta de atención adecuada resultó en lesiones graves que afectaron su vida.
Un niño de 4 años sufrió daño cerebral severo después de una cirugía de párpados caídos. El hospital había contratado servicios de anestesia a una corporación que empleaba principalmente enfermeras anestesistas en lugar de médicos capacitados.
Un guardia de seguridad resbaló en una superficie helada frente a un edificio propiedad de Metropolitan Life, lo que le causó una fractura de rodilla.
Una asistente de salud en el hogar de 56 años tropezó con un cable expuesto que se extendía desde una cabina telefónica en la plataforma del metro, resultando en una lesión que requirió un reemplazo de rodilla.
Un conductor de servicio se bajó de su vehículo para recoger dinero en el carril de un Burger King cuando cayó a través de una rejilla de alcantarillado rota, resultando en una caída de 4 pies y lesiones significativas.
Un trabajador de construcción indocumentado cayó desde un andamio a 30 pies de altura, impactando contra el cemento y sufriendo lesiones graves. Este caso muestra la experiencia de la firma en caídas graves en el trabajo, que se relacionan con incidentes de resbalones y caídas en entornos peligrosos.
Un niño de 16 años fue atropellado por un camión que estaba retrocediendo lentamente y quedó atrapado contra una pared, sufriendo una grave laceración en el bazo, que tuvo que ser removido.
Un empleado del Departamento de Parques de Nueva York fue golpeado por un camión mientras preparaba su vehículo para esparcir sal en una carretera nevada en Staten Island, lo que resultó en su fallecimiento.
Dos madres y sus cuatro adolescentes estaban en camino a una competencia de natación cuando el vehículo en el que viajaban tuvo una falla en la llanta y fue detenido en un carril de tráfico, resultando en un trágico accidente en la autopista con un camión.
Una pasante de teatro de 22 años fue golpeada por la puerta trasera de un camión que se abrió repentinamente debido a una falla de seguridad del conductor mientras caminaba en la calle 42 y Novena Avenida en Manhattan, resultando en lesiones graves.
Un empleado del Departamento de Parques de Nueva York fue atropellado fatalmente por un camión mientras preparaba su vehículo para esparcir sal en una carretera nevada en Staten Island.
Un hombre de 49 años falleció al caer por el hueco de un ascensor cuando las puertas se abrieron sin que la cabina estuviera en el piso correcto. La familia recibió una compensación significativa por esta trágica pérdida.
En un caso trágico, dos madres y sus cuatro adolescentes se dirigían a una competencia de natación en la autopista New York State Thruway cuando su vehículo tuvo un fallo en la llanta. La conductora detuvo la camioneta en el carril de circulación, lo que resultó en un accidente fatal.
Este accidente ocurrió en el Bronx cuando Rafael C. estaba trabajando en un camión de saneamiento. El conductor perdió el control al girar el vehículo.
Una pasante de teatro de 22 años caminaba por la intersección de la calle 42 y la Novena Avenida en Manhattan cuando fue golpeada por la puerta trasera de un camión que pasaba cuando la puerta abrio volando porque no había sido asegurado correctamente por el conductor.Una pasante de teatro de 22 años caminaba por la intersección de la calle 42 y la Novena Avenida en Manhattan cuando fue golpeada por la puerta trasera de un camión que pasaba cuando la puerta abrio volando porque no había sido asegurado correctamente por el conductor.
En uno de los casos más trágicos que ha visto esta oficina, dos madres y sus cuatro adolescentes conducían a una reunión de natación de la escuela secundaria en el New York State Thruway en una camioneta.
Un bombero de 42 años, que antes había corrido más de 30 maratones, se cortó la pierna mientras luchaba contra un incendio.
Un Oficial de la Policía de la Ciudad de Nueva York de 35 años era una pasajera en un automóvil de la policía que iba a una llamada de emergencia.
An undocumented Mexican immigrant working on scaffolding at a construction site fell 30 feet onto the cement. He fractured his skull and vertebrae in his neck and back. It was shown at trial that the company he worked for failed to provide him with a safety line, which would have prevented his fall.
Julio, 16, was an outpatient at the Manhattan Children’s Psychiatric Hospital where he attended school and got psychiatric counseling and supportive therapy every day. The NYC Board of Ed operated the school. One day after school, Julio ran after his bus, which was leaving without him. He slipped and was run over by the back wheels, sustaining severe injuries, including bilateral hip fractures and a shearing injury to his buttocks. Board of Ed rules required that Julio was to be escorted to the bus. The NYCTA denied liability, claiming they weren’t negligent because Julio ran after the bus. The City denied liability because they claimed the school day was over. At trial, both the Board of Ed who had knowledge of Julio’s poor impulse control and was required to put him safely on the bus, and the NYCTA whose bus driver saw Julio running and made no effort to slow or stop the bus were found to be responsible.
Baby Taylor C. – Taylor’s mother had gained over 50 pounds during the pregnancy, was past due, and had a prolonged first stage and second stage of delivery. These are warning signs of an overly large baby. Baby Taylor was 9 lbs. 13 oz. Instead of delivery by C-section, which was clearly indicated, the attending physician elected a natural birth. When the baby was stuck in the pelvic area, excessive force was used to pull her out, injuring the nerves in her neck and causing partial paralysis of her left arm. The condition is known as Erbs Palsy. The case was settled during the trial. Fortunately, Baby Taylor’s injury improved over time.
Ayisha W- A young girl slid down a sliding pond in the playground of an NYC school. The slide was not installed properly and there was a gap between the metal on the side of the slide. As Ayisha slid down, her ring finger went into the gap and the top of it was cut off. The City argued that since it was just the tip of her finger it was not worth much money. At trial, it was proved that Ayisha had a devastating emotional reaction that affected every aspect of her life and self-esteem. The jury agreed.