Wrongful Death Lawyers in the Hudson Valley, NY

Standing with You Every Step of the Way: Our Wrongful Death Legal Process

Our Hudson Valley wrongful death lawyers have a proven track record of success in securing maximum compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence or misconduct. Our approach includes:

• Thorough Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one's death, gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, and establishing liability.
• Calculating Damages: We carefully assess all economic and non-economic losses your family has suffered, including lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional pain and suffering.
• Skilled Negotiation: We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to pursue the full compensation your family deserves.
• Trial Preparation: When negotiations fail to reach a fair outcome, we will be fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

We leverage our in-depth knowledge of wrongful death law, meticulous investigation techniques, and skilled negotiation strategies to build strong cases that hold the responsible parties accountable. 

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in the Hudson Valley

When a loved one’s life is lost due to another’s negligence or intentional harm, the grief and sense of injustice can be overwhelming. We understand the devastation wrongful death causes. Our Hudson Valley attorneys have the experience and determination to handle a wide range of cases, including:

Understanding Contingency Fees: Get Legal Help Without Upfront Costs

The sudden loss of a loved one is emotionally devastating, and financial worries can add an overwhelming burden. Our lawyers believe that everyone deserves justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You Pay Nothing Upfront: You won't face any out-of-pocket legal fees as we work on your case.
• We Only Get Paid If You Win: Our attorneys only receive payment if we successfully secure a settlement or court award on your behalf.
• Our Fees Are a Percentage: Our fee is a predetermined percentage of the compensation we recover for you.

When you choose The Ahearne Law Firm as representation in your case, you can gain the peace of mind of knowing you have:

• Reduced Financial Risk: You won't have to worry about paying legal fees if your case is unsuccessful.
• Access to Skilled Representation: Anyone can seek experienced legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay upfront.
• Shared Motivation with Us: Our success is tied to yours, ensuring we work tirelessly to build the strongest possible case.

Our decision to work on a contingency fee basis is intended to increase access to legal services and protect you from undue costs. So if you’re considering a wrongful death lawsuit, don’t let financial concerns hold you back.

Seeking Legal Guidance

Understanding wrongful death law can provide a framework for your next steps. However, navigating the legal complexities of these cases is best done with the help of an experienced attorney.

How Is Wrongful Death Compensation Shared Among Family Members?

New York law prioritizes spouses and children of the deceased when distributing compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit. However, other family members may also be eligible depending on specific circumstances. For instance, if the deceased did not have a spouse or children but financially supported their parents, the parents may be eligible for damages. Other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support, such as stepchildren or siblings, may also be eligible.

How Is Compensation Distributed?

The distribution of compensation is typically determined by the terms of the deceased’s will (if one exists). In the absence of a will, New York’s intestate succession laws dictate how the money is distributed among eligible family members.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death: Seek Justice for Your Loved One

If your loss was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, taking legal action can be a crucial step toward securing justice and the compensation your family deserves. Here are the initial steps you should take:

• Contact Law Enforcement: If the death was caused by a crime or suspicious circumstances, report the incident to the police immediately.
• Gather Important Documents: Collect documents like medical records, accident reports, and any paperwork related to the deceased's finances.
• Understand Your Rights: Research wrongful death laws in New York to gain a basic understanding of your legal options.

While this initial information can be helpful, navigating the legal complexities of this type of case is best done with the support of a skilled attorney. Our law firm is here to stand by your side during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Shared Fault Doesn’t Mean No Justice

It can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening when your loved one is blamed for the accident that caused their death. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t seek justice. Understanding how fault is handled in wrongful death cases can empower you to fight back.

Contributory Negligence in New York

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to your loved one’s degree of fault.

For example, if your loved one was found to be 20% at fault for a fatal car accident, and your total damages are $100,000, you could potentially recover up to $80,000.

Insurance companies and those responsible for your loved one’s death may try to shift the blame to avoid liability. Don’t be discouraged by initial allegations. Our wrongful death attorneys can stand firm in defending the truth. We’ll help you fight for justice and the financial award your family needs to rebuild.

Know Your Deadline: Don’t Miss Out on Wrongful Death Compensation

When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to someone else’s wrongdoing, seeking legal recourse is likely one of the last things on your mind. However, it’s crucial to understand that time is a critical factor in wrongful death lawsuits. New York has a strict statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing these claims.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York. Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to pursue legal action and the damages your family deserves.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

There are limited exceptions to the standard two-year deadline. One such exception is called the discovery rule. If you were unaware of or unable to discover the cause of death for a period of time, the deadline may be extended.

Another exception occurs in cases where the deceased was a minor. In such situations, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach the age of 18.

Why Does Timing Matter?

Consulting an attorney as soon as possible following your loved one’s death is crucial for several reasons. When they start early, your attorney has more time for:

• Preserving Evidence: Time is essential for gathering critical evidence that supports your claim because witness memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost or deteriorate.
• Investigating the Claim: Your attorney needs adequate time to investigate the circumstances of the death.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Reaching a fair settlement takes time; rushing this process could result in accepting less compensation than you deserve.

Once you begin your case, your attorney will be diligent in maintaining the pace of your claim. We’ll work to ensure you meet the necessary deadlines and that your case progresses steadily.