How to Hire the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in NY
- Alex Maltese
- 9 minutes ago
- 7 min read
In New York, thousands of people lose their lives each year, whether it is due to auto accidents, medical malpractice, product malfunctions, or any other tragic incident. Fortunately, the wrongful death law provides a legal remedy to the surviving family members in the form of a claim or lawsuit that lets them pursue compensation for the losses caused by another's negligence.
While it is natural to mourn after someone's passing, it's also crucial for the affected parties to start searching for an experienced attorney to protect their family's best interests. The wrongful death statute of limitations starts ticking as soon as an individual passes away, which means that the claimants may not have much time to seek damages.
For those grieving the loss of a loved one, finding skilled wrongful death lawyers in New York City may prove to be challenging. This is where we come in. At the Law Office of Carl Maltese, our personal injury attorneys have the skills and expertise to protect your family's rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss. They have advise on how to hire the best dog bite lawyer in NY as well.
Those who have lost a loved one in New York should trust our lawyers to handle their wrongful death cases with the empathy and compassion they deserve!
Why Should Affected Parties Pursue a New York Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Although no amount of money can bring back a deceased loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit allows affected parties to seek compensation for the financial burdens resulting from such a tragic loss. It can help cover medical bills and funeral expenses left behind by the decedent and provide financial support for the family in the years to come.
How to Hire the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in NY
Here are the steps to securing the best legal representation in New York:
Seek Recommendations
The best way for surviving family members to begin their search for a reputable New York wrongful death lawyer is by reaching out to people within their social circle. If they know someone who has lost a loved one due to another's negligence, chances are that person has worked with an attorney before.
Seeking recommendations from friends and colleagues can be a quick and effective way to connect with a reliable wrongful death lawyer. It may be possible for the best wrongful death attorney in Long Island to come from a mutual connection. They can share their experiences working with the legal team and offer guidance on whether the surviving family members should consider hiring the same attorney or exploring other options. This can save the affected parties a whole lot of time and effort.
If a friend or colleague recommends an attorney from another area, surviving family members can still contact the law firm to discuss their claim. Usually, the lawyer will refer them to an experienced professional nearby who can handle the wrongful death case and provide strong legal representation.
Google Can Help
What if the friend or colleague hasn't previously worked with a wrongful death attorney? In such situations, affected parties can start researching reliable law firms in New York.
Google is a great place to begin looking for experienced legal representation. Surviving family members should start searching common terms like "New York wrongful death lawyers," and the search engine will provide a long list of law firms in the area.
A key thing to remember is that a law firm's position at the top of the search engine results page (SERP) does not necessarily mean it is the best fit for a wrongful death case. Each claim is unique, and the right legal representation depends on factors such as experience, communication, and past success with similar claims.
Grieving families should conduct further research by visiting a law firm's website to learn more about its attorneys and their track record. Reviewing feedback from past clients can provide valuable insight into others' experiences with the firm.
Besides Google, there are several online directories that offer attorney details and ratings, including Avvo, Justia, and Martindale-Hubbell. These platforms can help families shortlist reputable, top-rated wrongful death lawyers in New York, making it easier to find the right fit for their legal needs.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Most law firms in the state offer free consultations. While this helps attorneys connect with potential clients, it also allows grieving families to determine whether a particular lawyer is best for their case.
Once affected parties have shortlisted law firms after thorough research, the next step is to schedule free consultations. These meetings can take place over the phone or in person at the attorney's office.
Before signing any binding agreements, discussing the details of the wrongful death lawsuit with the attorney is crucial. This meeting also provides an opportunity to learn more about the lawyer, assess their work ethic, and determine whether they have the time and commitment to handle the case personally.
Ask Questions During the Consultation
For many grieving families, reaching out to a wrongful death attorney is a first-time experience, and they may have many questions about their case and how the lawyer will handle it. While some may feel hesitant, it's essential to ask questions, as the law firm they choose can significantly impact the outcome of the claim.
The consultation also gives the wrongful death attorney an opportunity to understand the events leading up to the tragedy. Asking questions in this meeting can help nurture a strong attorney-client relationship, allowing the lawyer to gather crucial details about the case and address the family's concerns in a more informed manner.
During consultation, affected parties should ask about the attorney's experience with similar cases, track record, communication style, and fee structure. They should also inquire more about the wrongful death lawyer's approach, the time it may take toward resolution, and other crucial details.
Here are some key questions grieving families should ask during a consultation to gain valuable insights into the law firm, the attorney, and the claim:
What kind of experience does the wrongful death lawyer have?
How long has the attorney been practicing in this field?
What is their success rate with similar cases?
Will the attorney personally handle the wrongful death case, or will they oversee it as a supervisor?
How will they communicate with the plaintiff, and how often?
Can the attorney provide client references?
How strong is the wrongful death claim or lawsuit?
What risks are involved in pursuing this New York wrongful death claim?
How long is the case likely to take?
What are the steps involved in the wrongful death claim process?
Does the attorney work on a contingency fee basis? If so, what percentage will they charge upon winning the case?
How does the lawyer help provide closure for the families of wrongful death victims?
Does the attorney prefer a wrongful death settlement or going to trial?
Will the personal representative act on behalf of the affected parties in a wrongful death case?
If the grieving family feels uncomfortable at any point during the consultation due to the attorney's responses, they should consider interviewing other New York wrongful death lawyers. At the same time, identifying the traits they value most can help them choose the right legal representation for their claim.
Types of Wrongful Death Attorneys Grieving Families Should Avoid in New York!
Losing a loved one is devastating, and choosing a reputable New York wrongful death attorney is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.
However, not all lawyers are equipped to handle such sensitive cases. Some make false promises to secure clients, and if grieving families are unaware of certain red flags, it could negatively impact their lawsuits.
Affected parties should look out for the following signs and immediately stay clear of that law firm:
The Attorney Asks for Upfront Payment
Most New York wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don't charge the clients until they win the case. Instead, they receive a percentage of the settlement or award based on mutually agreed terms. This arrangement helps ease the financial burden of seeking legal representation.
If a lawyer requests an upfront payment, it could cripple the grieving family members financially. It's best to avoid law firms that demand an immediate retainer fee to handle a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
The Lawyer Guarantees a Positive Outcome
A skilled legal professional will never guarantee a positive outcome. Many inexperienced attorneys make false promises about wrongful death lawsuits in an attempt to secure clients. However, even seemingly straightforward cases can take an unexpected turn if there is insufficient evidence.
Regardless of whether the attorney offers a contingency fee arrangement, grieving families should avoid law firms that make unrealistic guarantees. Inexperienced lawyers who promise positive outcomes can jeopardize the chances of recovering fair compensation.
The Attorney Has Too Many Cases
If an attorney is overwhelmed with cases, they may delegate new wrongful death lawsuits to junior staff. This can create challenges for the decedent's personal representative and add unnecessary stress to grieving family members. They may struggle to reach the right lawyer, face delays in communication, or receive inadequate legal guidance, all of which can negatively impact the case.
There are many reputable law firms in New York. If a particular attorney has too many wrongful death cases to deal with, it's best for the affected parties to explore other options.
The Lawyer Doesn't Have Trial Experience
While most wrongful death claims are settled out of court, some cases may require litigation if the parties involved cannot reach a fair agreement. When this happens, the attorney representing the grieving family must be prepared to take matters to the court.
However, not all lawyers have trial experience. If settlement negotiations fail, the attorney must be prepared to advocate for the grieving family before a judge. This is why choosing a lawyer with extensive trial experience is essential.
Grieving Families Can Rely on the Law Office of Carl Maltese for the Best Legal Representation in NY!
A wrongful death case is a deeply sensitive matter, and having the right attorney by your side, someone who truly understands your pain and offers genuine support, can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Carl Maltese, we have recovered over $150 million for victims and affected families in New York and are committed to fighting for you and your loved ones. They can also assist when wondering how to hire the best work injury lawyer in NY.
If you have lost someone dear to you in Long Island, New York, you can rely on our experienced and highly rated attorneys to investigate your wrongful death case, protect your rights, and help you navigate the best legal path forward. Call us to schedule a free consultation today!
