Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is overwhelming. If you are searching for a wrongful death lawyer in Greenburgh, we can help you understand your rights and discuss the path forward under New York law. Our firm represents spouses, children, parents, and estates.
We handle claims arising from car crashes, truck collisions, construction accidents, dangerous premises, and workplace incidents. Our lawyers can explain how liability works, who can file, what compensation may be available, and what to expect in Greenburgh courts and insurance negotiations.
At Shulman & Hill, we fight for injured New Yorkers with the experience, resources, and dedication needed to pursue the compensation they need. To learn more, talk to a personal injury lawyer in Greenburgh today and schedule a free consultation.
Compassionate Legal Help for Families in Greenburgh
A fatal incident changes everything in a moment. While no result can make up for your loss, New York law allows the estate to pursue accountability and financial support for surviving family members. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your family.
At our firm, we meet you where you are—at home, virtually, or in our office—and tailor our approach to your goals. Whether you need a quiet settlement or are ready to press your case in court, we prepare each matter as if it may go to trial.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Under New York Law
Under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law (EPTL), a wrongful death arises when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. In practical terms, the case mirrors what the victim could have filed as a personal injury claim if they had survived.
Liability can stem from negligent driving, unsafe property conditions, or violations of New York Labor Law at construction sites. We must show duty, breach, causation, and damages using admissible evidence and professional testimony.
Who Can File and Deadlines You Must Meet
Only the personal representative of the estate (the executor named in a will or the administrator appointed by the Surrogate’s Court) may file a New York wrongful death lawsuit. Beneficiaries who may share in the recovery typically include the spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents or other distributees.
New York generally sets a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Shorter time limits and early Notice of Claim requirements may apply to claims against public entities, and certain circumstances can alter or toll the deadline. Because timing rules are strict, it is wise to speak with a Greenburgh wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
Damages Your Family May Recover
New York focuses on pecuniary (financial) losses in these cases. Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills related to the fatal injury, loss of financial support and household services, and loss of parental guidance for surviving children.
The estate may also bring a survival claim for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering between the injury and death. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available. Interest on a wrongful death award in New York typically runs from the date of death.
How We Prove Fault and Causation
We build each case around evidence, law, and credible specialists. Our job is to connect the defendant’s conduct to the fatal outcome and to present the full measure of your family’s losses with clarity.
Evidence We May Use
We start by preserving time-sensitive proof and securing the estate’s legal authority to act.
Depending on the facts, we may collect and analyze:
- Police crash reports, incident logs, and 911 audio.
- Surveillance or dashcam videos and vehicle data recorders.
- Medical records, autopsy findings, and professional opinions.
- Worksite safety records, OSHA findings, and labor law evidence.
- Property maintenance logs and prior incident histories.
- Cell phone, toxicology, and mechanical inspection data.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Greenburgh
Fatal cases we frequently handle include car and truck collisions, pedestrian and cyclist impacts, and unsafe property conditions leading to deadly falls.
We also handle deaths arising from construction accidents and other workplace incidents across Westchester County. New York’s pure comparative negligence rules may reduce compensation if the decedent shared some fault, but they do not bar recovery.
Working With Our Greenburgh Wrongful Death Lawyers
When you retain us as your wrongful death lawyers in Greenburgh, we immediately open a claim, notify insurers, and protect against adjuster tactics that can devalue your case. We coordinate with the Surrogate’s Court in White Plains to confirm the personal representative’s standing and to manage approvals for settlements where needed.
We keep you updated at every turn with plain-language guidance. From strategy decisions to settlement evaluation, you will always know what’s happening and why it matters.
What To Bring to Your Free Consultation
Your first meeting is about answers and next steps. Bring any documents you have, even if incomplete. Helpful items include the death certificate, any accident or incident reports, photos or videos, medical and funeral bills, and contact details for witnesses or involved parties.
If the estate has not yet appointed a personal representative, we can guide you through that process. We will also discuss insurance coverage, time limits, and an action plan for preserving evidence.
Why Choose Us
Wrongful death cases demand disciplined investigation, thoughtful case valuation, and courtroom readiness. Our team has handled fatal claims across New York, including Westchester County, and we know how local courts and insurers evaluate these matters.
We work on a contingency fee, so you pay no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you. From day one, our focus is accountability and a result that supports your family’s future.
Speak With Us About Your Case
If your family lost a loved one because of someone else’s conduct, you do not have to manage the legal process alone. We can explain your options, protect deadlines, and pursue the recovery New York law allows.
Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your potential claim, outline a plan, and begin preserving the evidence needed for a strong case. Let us help you move forward with clarity and purpose.