Rochester Wrongful Death Lawyers

The untimely death of a family member can be devastating. In addition to shock and grief, families often face mounting financial pressures because of this unexpected loss. Most people simply are unprepared to cover funeral expenses and medical costs, or make up for the loss of income.

If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence on the part of another individual or a company, you may be entitled to financial compensation. We understand that no amount of money can undo the loss and pain caused to your family, but a financial recovery can help ease your burdens and bring you a sense of justice.

At Belluck & Fox, our compassionate Rochester wrongful death lawyers have successfully fought for the rights of families across New York for more than 25 years. Our trusted attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in jury awards and settlements for our deserving clients, and we are ready to help your family now.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to answer any questions you may have. Our Rochester legal team is available to meet with you at your home or anywhere that’s convenient in the surrounding area. Call us at (585) 285-4070.

How Our Top-Rated Wrongful Death Lawyers in Rochester Can Help You

When you choose Belluck & Fox’s award-winning trial attorneys, you can be assured that our experienced legal team will handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim, including:
A detailed independent investigation into what caused your loved one’s death. Our knowledgeable attorneys will review all the details and facts involved. Depending on the circumstances, we will:

  • Obtain official documents such as police reports
  • Interview witnesses
  • Hire professional experts to analyze the evidence and reconstruct the accident scene, if necessary
  • Gather any photos or videos of your loved one’s injuries and, if necessary, the accident or accident scene
  • A thorough review of the medical evidence. Our savvy legal team will gather the medical records documenting your loved one’s fatal injury or illness, as well as consult with medical professionals.
  • A comprehensive calculation of the damages your family has suffered. Our attorneys will account for all the ways in which this tragedy has affected you and will continue to do so in the future. We will demand the full financial compensation your family is entitled to recover.
  • Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies. In most cases, our wrongful death attorneys in Rochester are able to negotiate full settlements without going to trial. However, if that’s the only way to obtain justice for our clients, our nationally respected litigators will not back down from a courtroom confrontation.

What Do You Need to Prove in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In New York State, a wrongful death claim requires proving that someone else’s negligent actions led to the death of your loved one. Sometimes this action may result in criminal charges and penalties. Regardless, a wrongful death lawsuit holds the at-fault party accountable through a civil claim.

In New York, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, such as a surviving spouse or another relative, may bring a wrongful death claim. For a claim to be successful, your wrongful death attorney will need to show that:

The defendant acted negligently.

  • The negligent action(s) caused your loved one’s death.
  • Your loved one has surviving family members eligible to receive damages.
  • These survivors also have suffered financial damage because of your loved one’s death.

When grieving the loss of a close family member, it’s understandable how clear it can seem that an at-fault party should be held accountable. Unfortunately, these cases can turn out to be very complex. That’s why it is important to have a respected Rochester wrongful death lawyer in your corner.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Rochester?

Although it may seem reasonable that a victim’s closest family members can file a wrongful death claim, New York State specifies that only the personal representative of the victim’s estate can file such a lawsuit.

However, compensation from a successful wrongful death claim can be passed on to:

  • A surviving spouse
  • Children
  • Relatives such as siblings and parents

Regardless of who is legally designated the victim’s personal representative, any damages recovered in a wrongful death claim go to the estate to be distributed to heirs based on the guidelines outlined in wills, trusts or state law.

Our Attorneys Demand Full Compensation in Rochester Wrongful Death Cases

The pain and suffering that survivors experience after losing a loved one has a huge impact on their lives. Sadly, spouses, children and other close relatives usually cannot recover payment for this. However, you may be entitled to compensation for:

    • Funeral and burial expenses
    • Medical bills related to treating the victim prior to death
    • Loss of benefits and wages from the time of the injury or illness to the time of death
    • Loss of services and support that the victim provided to loved ones
    • Loss of any surviving children’s inheritance
    • Loss of care, nurturing and guidance for any surviving children

In addition, you may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering your family member experienced prior to death. These damages would be brought by the deceased’s estate through a “survivorship action.”

In extreme cases, such as where criminal actions or willful misconduct led to a wrongful death, our lawyers may seek punitive damages against the at-fault party for this atrocious behavior.
Belluck & Fox’s knowledgeable wrongful death lawyers in Rochester are available to review your family’s situation and explain all of your options for pursuing justice for your loved one. Please contact us today at (585) 285-4070 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Rochester

Wrongful death is the result of a death caused by the negligent actions of another person, driver, or corporation. Most wrongful death claims involve accidents, however, they can be the result of many other causes including:

 

Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims in Rochester, New York

New York State sets a strict time limit to file a wrongful death lawsuit of two years from the date of death. Because it takes time to build a strong compensation claim, it is vital that you speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Rochester as soon as you feel comfortable exploring your legal options.
Our compassionate attorneys are sensitive to your needs and aim to take as much of the burden off you as possible. We will allow your family the time and space to heal while we manage all the details related to your claim.

Why Choose Our Top-Tier Rochester Law Firm for Your Wrongful Death Case?

Over the years, our Rochester law firm has earned a national reputation for helping families recover full and fair compensation after the unjust loss of a relative. Clients recommend our devoted wrongful death attorneys in Rochester because:

  • We are always sensitive and compassionate to your needs. Our legal team knows that you are coping with what might be the worst tragedy your family will ever face. That’s why we do everything we can to be here for you.
  • We shield you and protect your privacy throughout the process. We will not allow aggressive insurance companies or other at-fault parties to hassle you. We’ll manage all communications on behalf of you and your family.
  • We are tireless in our pursuit of justice for your family member. There are many times when a family pursuing a wrongful death claim may feel like giving up. But our attorneys are committed to being with you every step of the way as we fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.

No Fees Unless Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Rochester Recover Money for You

At Belluck & Fox, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis. We do not charge any money to begin working on your behalf, and you don’t owe us anything unless and until we win compensation for you.
Contact us today at (585) 285-4070 for a free case review.

Contact an Experienced Rochester Wrongful Death Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

The top-notchpersonal injury attorneys at Belluck & Fox have been recognized by The National Law Journal, Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Avvo. We pride ourselves on our one-on-one customer service and quality legal representation, and our team is dedicated to being sensitive to those who struggle to cope with painful loss.

Contact us now at (585) 285-4070 to set up a free consultation, or visit us at 160 Linden Oaks Drive, Suite B, Rochester NY 14625, to learn how our legal team will fight for you.

How Can We Help?