East Hampton Wrongful Death Attorney

Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers in East Hampton, New York

Losing a loved one in a wrongful death accident is a devastating experience. At Palermo Law, we understand the emotional and financial hardships that come with such a loss. Our team has a compassionate and experienced East Hampton Wrongful Death Attorney to support you through this difficult time, helping you seek justice and fair compensation. With over three decades of experience handling wrongful death cases, Palermo Law is committed to representing families in East Hampton with dedication and integrity.

What Is a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death case arises when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In East Hampton, wrongful death cases can stem from various types of accidents, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, and defective products. A wrongful death claim allows the deceased’s family members to seek compensation for their loss, ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

Wrongful death cases are complex, requiring a deep understanding of personal injury law and a strategic approach to earning compensation for grieving families. We provide clients with personalized attention, handling each case with the utmost respect and sensitivity.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in East Hampton

Wrongful death cases can arise from a wide range of accidents and incidents. Some of the most common causes we encounter in East Hampton include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents caused by reckless driving, speeding, or DUI often lead to fatal injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents: The Hamptons have many walkable areas, but negligent drivers can pose serious dangers to pedestrians, leading to tragic outcomes.
Boating Accidents: Many in the Hamptons area own boats, and boating accidents can result in wrongful death if operators are negligent or impaired.
Medical Malpractice: Medical errors, such as misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, and medication errors, can lead to fatal consequences, making medical malpractice a common cause of wrongful death.
Workplace Accidents: Dangerous workplaces, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing, can result in fatal accidents due to unsafe working conditions or lack of proper safety equipment.
Defective Products: When a product has design flaws or manufacturing defects that result in fatal injuries, the manufacturer can be held liable.

Each wrongful death case is unique and requires thorough investigation to determine liability. Our team at Palermo Law is well-versed in handling these cases, utilizing a network of experts and resources to build a strong claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in East Hampton?

In New York, only specific family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, these include:

The spouse of the deceased
Children of the deceased
Parents of the deceased
The representative of the deceased’s estate may also file a claim on behalf of the surviving family members.

Navigating the legal complexities of wrongful death claims can be challenging, but our attorneys at Palermo Law are here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

In a wrongful death case, compensation is meant to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens caused by the loss. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, obtaining compensation can help families cover various expenses and begin the healing process. Compensation may include:

Medical Expenses: If your loved one received medical treatment before passing, you may be entitled to recover the costs of their medical care.
Funeral and Burial Costs: Wrongful death claims often include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, helping to ease the financial strain during this challenging time.
Loss of Financial Support: Families who lose a primary breadwinner often face financial hardship. Compensation can cover the loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided.
Pain and Suffering: Although New York law does not allow compensation for the emotional suffering of the family, it does allow compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced prior to passing.
Loss of Parental Guidance: For children who have lost a parent, compensation may be available for the loss of parental guidance, care, and nurturing.

Why Choose Palermo Law for Your East Hampton Wrongful Death Case?

Choosing the right attorney for a wrongful death case is essential for achieving justice and obtaining fair compensation. Here’s why families in East Hampton trust Palermo Law:

Over Thirty Years of Experience: Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases across New York, securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
Compassionate Representation: We understand that this is a difficult time for your family. Our team provides compassionate, respectful support while fighting for your rights.
Detailed Investigation: Wrongful death cases require thorough investigation to build a strong claim. We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to gather the evidence necessary for a compelling case.
Results-Driven Approach: We have a proven track record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
No Upfront Fees: Palermo Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in East Hampton

If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim:

Contact an Attorney Promptly: The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Important evidence may be lost or destroyed over time, and consulting with a lawyer can help ensure your case is properly preserved.
Gather Documentation: Collect any available records, including medical bills, accident reports, and correspondence related to the incident. These documents can serve as evidence in your case.
Keep Track of Expenses: Keep records of any expenses related to the wrongful death, such as funeral costs or medical bills. Your attorney can use these to calculate the compensation you are entitled to.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Avoid speaking to them without legal representation, as they may use your statements against you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in East Hampton?
In New York, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. However, there can be exceptions, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s family members, such as lost income and funeral expenses. A survival action, on the other hand, is a claim for the pain and suffering the deceased endured prior to their death, with compensation awarded to the estate.
Can I still file a claim if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if your loved one was partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount awarded may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to them.

Reach Out to an East Hampton Wrongful Death Attorney Now

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in the Hampton area, Palermo Law is here to help. Our experienced East Hampton Wrongful Death Attorney understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to providing compassionate, effective representation. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice for your loved one.