Wrongful Death Lawyer in Melville, NY

Losing a loved one under any circumstances can be challenging. However, knowing your loved one died due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or company makes it even harder to accept. If you are in this situation, it is important to understand your legal options and what you should do next. Working with a knowledgeable legal team can make all the difference in your ability to get justice.

Our Melville wrongful death lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP can help your family find answers and a path forward. Contact us online or call our team now at 800-968-7529 to get started with a free consultation. We will take the time to listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options.

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death happens when someone passes away because of someone else’s misconduct or their careless actions, or “negligence.” That means that another person or company failed to act with reasonable care, and someone died because of it. Common causes of wrongful deaths include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents – A distracted or reckless driver can cause a devastating wrongful death from a car accident, leaving families with sudden loss.
• Workplace Accident – Unsafe job sites, poor training, or defective equipment can lead to a fatal workplace accident, especially in construction or industrial jobs.
• Premises Liability – Property owners must keep their spaces safe. Falls, fires, or other hazards can cause deadly injuries if they don’t.
• Defective Products – Poorly made or designed products can cause fatal injuries.
• Medical Malpractice – Doctors, other healthcare professionals, and medical facilities can make preventable mistakes that result in death.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Melville?

In New York, the person who can file a wrongful death lawsuit is called the “personal representative.” This is usually someone named in the deceased’s will, like a spouse or adult child. If there is no will, the court will choose someone to act as the deceased’s estate’s personal representative.

Even though the personal representative files the case, the money from a wrongful death settlement goes to certain family members, such as the spouse, kids, or parents of the deceased.

When you work with a wrongful death attorney in Melville, they can help you figure out who should file, who can receive compensation, and what steps to take next.

How Do You Prove a Wrongful Death Case?

Every wrongful death case based on negligence must show four things:

• There was a duty of care. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws. Doctors must give proper treatment.
• The person or company committed a breach of their duty of care.
• That breach caused the death.
• The family suffered financial and emotional losses.

Gathering evidence takes careful investigation, which is why having an experienced Melville wrongful death lawyer on your side is so important. Our team takes the time to gather strong evidence from various sources that helps your case. We take on the hard work so you can focus on your family.

What Happens During a Wrongful Death Case?

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP, we handle every step of your claim or lawsuit so you can focus on your family and healing. First, your wrongful death attorney in Melville will listen closely to your story, answer your questions, and gather all the details about what happened. We know every family’s situation is unique, so we’ll take the time to understand how your loss has affected you.

Next, we’ll collect important evidence like accident reports, medical records, and financial documents. We talk to witnesses who saw what happened and may even bring in experts who can help prove how the death occurred and who is at fault.

After that, we’ll negotiate for a fair wrongful death settlement with the insurance company or the at-fault party’s lawyers. If they refuse to do what’s right, we’re ready to stand up for you in court. Throughout it all, we keep you updated so you never feel left in the dark.

How Long Will My Wrongful Death Case Take?

One of the first questions families ask is how long a wrongful death case might last. The honest answer is that every case is different, and the time it takes depends on many factors. Some cases may settle in just a few months, while others can take a year or more to reach a fair outcome.

One factor that can influence the timeline is how clear the facts are. If the other side accepts responsibility early on, your wrongful death attorney in Melville may be able to reach a fair wrongful death settlement more quickly. But if there are disagreements about what happened or who is at fault for the acts that led to the death, it may take longer to gather evidence and negotiate.

Another factor is how cooperative the insurance company or other parties are. Sometimes, they try to delay or deny responsibility, which can add months to the process. If they refuse to offer what your family deserves, your Melville wrongful death lawyer may recommend taking the case to court. Preparing for trial and waiting for a court date can extend the timeline but may be necessary to fight for full compensation and justice for your loved one.

At Parker Waichman LLP, we believe in open communication. We’ll always keep you informed about how your case is moving along, explain your options, and stand by you whether you settle or go to trial. No matter how long it takes, your family’s best interests come first.

What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Settlement?

No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but financial help can ease the burden you’re left with. Some compensation that families may claim includes money for:

• Final medical bills
• Funeral and burial expenses claim
• Lost wages the deceased would have earned
• Loss of inheritance for children
• Value of household services they provided
• Compensation for the loss of consortium, which means losing their love, care, and companionship

Our experienced Melville, NY, wrongful death attorney will help you calculate what you’re owed. If the insurance company tries to pay less than you deserve, we’ll push back to help you recover a fair amount, or we’ll take the at-fault party to court.

Understanding a Family Compensation Lawsuit

Many families ask what a family compensation lawsuit really means. It’s just another way of describing a wrongful death case. It’s the legal right your family has to seek financial recovery when you lose a loved one to a death caused by someone else.

The money can help cover the sudden expenses you face. A fair personal injury settlement or jury verdict can help you feel like you have the means to rebuild your future. In most cases, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death. Waiting too long could mean you lose the right to file your wrongful death claim.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Having strong legal representation makes a big difference. Insurance companies might try to pay as little as possible. Your Melville fatal accident lawyer will fight for a fair outcome. This means they’ll handle paperwork, deal with the other side, and guide you through the process. The right attorney knows how to build a strong case for a family compensation lawsuit and help you focus on your family instead of legal stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases

We know that after losing someone you love, you may have more questions than answers. It’s normal to feel confused and unsure about what to do next. Our team at Parker Waichman LLP believes that families deserve clear information so they can make the best decisions for themselves. Below are some common questions families ask our Melville wrongful death lawyer team.

Will my case go to court?

Many wrongful death cases settle out of court through negotiation. However, if the other side refuses to offer a fair amount, your lawyer may advise taking the case to trial. Your Melville fatal accident lawyer will explain every option so you can decide what’s best.

What if the person responsible also faces criminal charges?

A criminal case and a wrongful death lawsuit are different. Even if someone is not found guilty in a criminal court, you may still have a strong civil case for a family compensation lawsuit. The goal of your lawsuit is to get financial help for your losses.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?

At Parker Waichman LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. And you pay us nothing upfront.

Call Our Melville Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to listen and help you take the first step. Talk to a caring Melville wrongful death lawyer today about your situation. Let us help you find the answers and the accountability you need to move forward.

Call Parker Waichman LLP at 800-968-7529 for a free consultation with an experienced Melville, NY, wrongful death attorney. We’re ready to stand up for your family when you need it most.