Wrongful Death

Highly Skilled Nassau County Personal Injury Lawyer Providing Grieving Families With Compassionate Yet Aggressive Representation

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating events anyone can be confronted with, but when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence, it only adds to the tragic sense of frustration and loss. And while nothing can take the place of a family member, a wrongful death claim provides a way for grieving families to seek justice and compensation for their loss. At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., our Nassau County wrongful death lawyer understands the profound impact that a wrongful death can have on your family. Our firm is committed to helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Wrongful Death in New York?

A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence or intentional act causes the death of another person. In New York, a wrongful death claim can be filed when the deceased could have pursued a personal injury claim had they survived. These cases often arise from accidents like car crashes, construction accidents, or fatal falls.

To successfully bring a wrongful death claim, you must establish each of the following elements:

• Negligence: You must prove that your loved one’s death was caused by another’s negligent or reckless behavior.
• Causation: Next, you must establish that the other party’s negligent actions directly caused the death of your family member.
• Damages: Finally, you’ll need to present proof of qualifying financial losses your family incurred as a result of your loved one’s death.

These cases are not just about holding the responsible party accountable—they’re also about providing families with financial relief during an incredibly difficult time.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Case?

In New York, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This representative is typically appointed through probate court and may be named in the deceased’s will. While the personal representative is the one who officially brings the case, the compensation awarded through a wrongful death claim is distributed to the deceased’s surviving family members, which may include the deceased’s:

• Spouse,
• Children,
• Parents, and
• In some cases, other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased

What Damages Are Available Through a Nassau County Wrongful Death Claim?

While no amount of money can truly compensate your family for the loss of a loved one, a Nassau wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden that often follows such a tragedy. Some of the damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death case include:

• Funeral and burial expenses: The cost of laying a loved one to rest can be substantial. A wrongful death claim can help cover these expenses.
• Medical expenses: If the deceased required medical care before their death, the cost of treatment can be included in the claim.
• Loss of financial support: The income and benefits that the deceased would have provided to their family can be recovered.
• Loss of companionship: Spouses, children, and other family members can seek compensation for the emotional loss of a loved one’s companionship, guidance, and care.
• Pain and suffering: In some cases, compensation may be awarded for the pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to their death.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., PC, we have decades of hands-on experience handling a wide range of wrongful death cases in Nassau County. Some of the most common types of cases we handle include the following:

• Car Accidents: Car crashes caused by reckless or negligent drivers are one of the leading causes of wrongful death. Whether it’s due to speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, these accidents can have devastating consequences for families.
• Truck Accidents: Large commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage in an accident. When truck drivers or trucking companies act negligently, they may be held responsible for fatal accidents.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents. When drivers fail to see or yield to motorcycles, the results can be deadly.
• Bike and Pedestrian Accidents: Negligent drivers who fail to look out for bicyclists and pedestrians can cause fatal accidents. These cases often involve distracted or reckless driving.
• Construction Accidents: Construction sites are dangerous places, and many construction accidents result in fatalities. Whether the victim was a worker or a passerby, those responsible for maintaining a safe environment can be held accountable.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners who fail to address dangerous conditions may be held responsible if a fatal slip and fall accident occurs.
• If your loved one was lost due to one of these or another type of accident, we are here to help you seek justice.

Learn More About Nassau County Wrongful Death Cases

At Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., P.C., we understand the heartbreak and anger that comes with losing a loved one to another’s negligence. With over 34 years of experience, we are uniquely dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to families in Nassau County. We’ll handle the legal complexities of your case, so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one. If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Nassau County wrongful death lawyer today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. You can reach us by calling 516-496-0062 or by filling out our online contact form. We represent client throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.