If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident, the person or entity responsible could owe you compensation. A Long Beach wrongful death lawyer from our firm can confront the liable party’s insurance company or legal representation on your behalf.
At Morelli Law Firm, we are not afraid to fight hard for the money you deserve, even if we have to go to court. Each case begins with a complimentary case assessment, and our services are based on contingency—this means no out-of-pocket costs for you.
We Can Identify Who to Sue for Compensation
In most cases, whatever money you receive will come from the liable party’s insurance company. Different insurance policies protect people from different kinds of accidents. Some policies are even required by law. Car insurance, for example, is a legal requirement, per the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).
This information raises a vital question: Who is the liable party? Whose actions (or inactions) caused your loved one’s death? That depends on how the fatal accident happened. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- A property owner: If your loved one died after a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property
- A driver: If your loved one was hit by a car, bus, truck, or another motor vehicle
- A maintenance company: If those responsible for inspecting and repairing a vehicle or other piece of equipment did not fulfill their duties
- A medical professional: If your loved one was the victim of medical malpractice
- A manufacturer: If a faulty piece of equipment or an unsafe medication contributed to your loved one’s passing
You can hire a lawyer from our team to figure out who is liable in your case. If there is more than one responsible party, we could help you sue all of them.
Your Family may be Eligible for Three Types of Compensation
Losing a loved one is always difficult, no matter the circumstances. If your loved one passed away due to injuries sustained in an accident, you could be eligible for two types of compensatory damages.
Recovering Your Financial Losses
The first type is called “economic damages.” These reimburse you for the money you and your deceased loved one lost due to accident-related bills or reduced working hours. Examples typically include:
- Medical costs: If your loved one survived long enough to receive medical treatment for their injuries
- Loss of wages: If your loved one’s injuries—or the accident itself—prevented them from going to work and earning a living before their passing
- Funeral costs: If you were financially responsible for any or all costs associated with laying your loved one to rest and settling their estate
- Loss of financial support: If your loved one’s income helped you to maintain your lifestyle, and supporting yourself and your family without it has been difficult
Recovering Your Intangible Losses
The second type of damages is called “non-economic damages.” These will reimburse you for your loved one’s and your family’s suffering. As a result, they are often harder to quantify. Also, they’re limited in New York wrongful death claims.
Under current law, you could sue for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death, but you cannot get damages for your family’s pain and suffering. That may change soon with a new bill called the Grieving Families Act.
If this passes, families who lost a loved one can sue for mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other non-economic damages. When you speak with our wrongful death lawyers in Long Beach, NY, ask us about the status of this law.
Recovering Punitive Damages
Sometimes the court may punish the defendant by awarding additional money above and beyond the first two kinds of damages for actions that go beyond the pale. These are called punitive damages. Your case could qualify for these if your loved one died because of someone’s gross negligence.
If we feel the court would consider awarding them, we can use that to try to get a larger settlement or force the matter to the court. Most cases do not go to court, but Morelli Law is not afraid to take cases before a judge and jury if we cannot settle.
At Morelli Law Firm, we serve clients throughout the mid-Atlantic states, including areas like Long Beach, New York. In one case, we were able to recover millions for the relatives of a man struck and killed by a bus.
Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
What to Expect When You Work with a Lawyer on Our Team
Is it worth filing a lawsuit after a wrongful death? Only you and your family can decide, but our team at Morell Law Firm can give you the information you need to make this crucial decision. Note that if you wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must start your case within two years of the death, per EPT §5-4.1.
When you call our office for the first time, a member of our team will listen to your case during a free consultation and let you know what our firm may be able to do for you. If you decide to work with us, our team will:
- Guide you through the process: We always make sure you understand what is going on and that you have an opportunity to ask us questions.
- Calculate your compensation: We can assist you with the difficult but critical task of ensuring you sue for a reasonable and fair amount.
- Investigate your loved one’s death: We will look for evidence to prove that your loved one’s death was preventable.
- File all paperwork: Our team can take care of notifications, forms, trial exhibits, and any other types of paperwork that come up during your lawsuit.
- Pursue a fair settlement: If we can get the insurance company to agree to pay a pretrial settlement, we will do so. We will also answer any questions you have about the agreement before you sign it.
- Go to trial: We are always prepared for the possibility of going to court. Your lawyer will handle all preparations and argue on your behalf in the courtroom.
Who Receives the Money if I Win?
First, your lawyer will receive the settlement amount to ensure that it meets the settlement terms. Then, after subtracting their fee, the money will be given to the estate of your loved one. The executor of the estate, following the instructions of the will and New York law, will distribute the money.
If your loved one had no will prior to death, then there is a list of people who get access to the money. As of this writing, the order is spouses, children, parents, and then siblings. Spouses and children may split the estate if both are alive.
If the Grieving Families Act passes, many more people in your family could become eligible for a share of the compensation. If you’re concerned about who might receive the settlement money, get the current facts from one of our wrongful death attorneys in Long Beach, New York.
Speak with Our Attorneys About Your Wrongful Death Case Today
A Long Beach wrongful death lawyer from our firm is ready and willing to assist you. Money does not need to be a concern when it comes to hiring a lawyer. At Morelli Law Firm, we will not charge you any attorney’s fees unless you receive compensation.
If you lost a loved one, please accept Morelli Law Firm’s condolences for your loss. We can make this difficult time easier by assuming your legal responsibilities and allowing you more time to grieve and be with your family. Call us today or use our contact form to send us an email.