Dutchess County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death is a tragedy that arises from the negligent or wrongful acts of another person. If a death is wrongful, it means someone reasonably should have prevented it but failed to do so. If you recently lost a family member in Beacon or Poughkeepsie, legal action might be understandably the last thing on your mind. However, filing a claim with the best wrongful death attorney near you could bring your family justice, peace of mind and important compensation. Contact the Dutchess County attorneys at Fiedler Deutsch, LLP. We are here to support you.

Why Hire Our Dutchess County Attorneys?

• We build meaningful relationships with clients, judges, experts and our adversaries for the best chances of success during wrongful death claims.
• We bring 50 years of combined experience, a deep understanding of wrongful death law and respect for every client.
• We have recovered millions in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our clients. Our history includes a track record of success.

What Is Wrongful Death in New York?

According to New York law, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit aiming to prove that someone is legally responsible for another person’s death. A successful case holds someone civilly, not criminally, responsible for another person’s passing. Although the defendant may not have committed a crime in connection to the death, such as homicide, he or she will have to pay the family for related losses due to negligence. State law requires five main elements to be present for a successful and valid accidental death claim:

• A fatal injury resulting in death.
• Causation connected to someone else’s wrongful act or conduct.
• A cause of action that would have given the deceased person the right to file a personal injury claim had death not occurred.
• One or more surviving parties have economic losses due to the decedent’s death.
• Recoverable damages by the deceased person’s estate.

The lawyers at Fiedler Deutsch, LLP help clients obtain evidence of these five elements during wrongful death claims. Evidence often includes accident and police reports, eyewitness reports, expert testimony, medical or coroner’s records, photographs, and videos. We have years of experience in this practice area and in how to prove someone’s negligent acts in connection with a victim’s fatal injury. Find out if you have grounds for a claim by contacting us today.

When and How to File a Wrongful Death Claim

According to New York law, only a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a lawsuit. This representative could be a family member if that person obtains the role through a will, estate plan or court order. The personal representative will seek damages for losses by surviving family members, heirs and beneficiaries. To file a wrongful death claim in New York, you must act within at least two years of the date of your loved one’s death. Failing to file your claim in Beacon or Poughkeepsie within this deadline can mean losing the right to seek compensation.

Compensation Available for Wrongful Death

Bringing a wrongful death claim in New York could result in financial compensation for many of your family’s past and future damages. These include the costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial, reasonable medical expenses connected to the final injury, lost wages and benefits, lost support and services, loss of spousal consortium, lost inheritance, pain and suffering damages, and mental anguish.

Give Us a Call for a Free Consultation in Dutchess County

While no amount of money will ever make up for the loss of your loved one, compensation could provide better financial stability during and after this difficult time. It could create a safe space for you to grieve and heal for as long as you need to. Contact the lawyers at Fiedler Deutsch, LLP online or by calling (914) 993-0393 to schedule a free wrongful death consultation in Dutchess County, New York. We are here to support you.