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Staten Island Accidental Death Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, please accept our condolences for your loss. Dealing with a loved one’s passing is always hard, but when that passing was sudden and preventable, it can be even more devastating.

At Shulman & Hill, we can help you by assigning an accidental death lawyer in Staten Island to your case. Our entire team will work hard to help you recover a fair settlement so you and your family can move on with your lives. Call us for a free consultation at 212.221.1000.

When Can I Sue After an Accidental Death?

To have a valid legal case, your lawsuit must meet the following four criteria:

  • The party who harmed your loved one had a duty to keep them safe (e.g., by maintaining their property or by testing a product thoroughly before selling it).
  • That party failed to take reasonable steps to keep people like your loved one safe.
  • The party’s actions, or inactions, resulted in the accident that, in turn, robbed your loved one of their life.

Many types of accidents can fit into these criteria. Some include:

No matter what type of accident your loved one was in, you could be eligible for compensation.

Accidental Deaths and Workers’ Compensation

Certain types of workers, such as tunnel workers or those with certain types of manufacturing jobs, may be more susceptible to fatal injuries than others. If a worker dies on the job, their dependents could be entitled to death benefits through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Death benefits, according to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), include a weekly payout, as well as a lump sum awarded to cover funeral costs.

Shulman & Hill handles workers’ compensation cases as well as personal injury cases. As the surviving loved one of a deceased worker, you might be entitled to receive compensation through both types of cases. We can represent you if you want to pursue damages through a personal injury suit, a workers’ compensation claim, or both concurrently.

How to Start an Accidental Death Case

A good way to start a wrongful death legal action is to connect with an accidental death lawyer from Shulman & Hill. Our Staten Island team will work to assist you through what can be a long and complex legal process.

When you call our office, you can schedule a free case review from a member of our team. If you then decide to retain our services, we can start to work through the following steps:

Building Your Case

Your knowledge of the accident that took your loved one’s life could be detailed or sparse. How did it happen? Who is responsible? What is the exact cause of your loved one’s death? How much are your (and your loved one’s) losses worth?

After speaking with you about your case, we may ask if you have any documentary evidence (e.g., medical bills or photos of injuries) that support what you have said. We can use these materials to build your case. If you do not have any such materials, don’t worry. We can seek evidence on your behalf, including:

  • Police reports and any evidence the investigating officer collected from the scene
  • Medical records and reports that discuss your loved one’s injuries
  • Video footage from traffic cams, surveillance cameras, witness cell phones, and other sources
  • Photos of the accident scene or your loved one’s injuries
  • Evidence that the liable party’s insurance company may have already collected

Presenting Your Case to Others

Based on the evidence we find, we can tell you who was at fault in your loved one’s accident. They should pay damages for what you have lost.

Our firm can send a demand letter to the insurance company, explaining the accident and how much money you are seeking. The insurance company may then:

  • Offer a fair settlement that meets all of your current and future needs
  • Offer a settlement that is too low
  • Deny their client’s liability and offer them nothing

We can respond to the insurance company in whichever way we feel is appropriate. For example, we can negotiate for a higher settlement, or we can take the liable party to court.

Working with You

We want you to have as much time as possible to mourn your loved one’s passing and figure out where you want to go from here. We also want to make sure we handle your case in the way that is best for you. To that end, we will:

  • Tell you what we think might be the best approach for your case and why
  • Keep you updated as your case progresses
  • Provide an objective, professional perspective to help you make rational decisions, even if you are still angry and grieving

Starting on Time

Whatever action you take must start within the state’s statute of limitations. As stated in EPTL § 5-4.1, generally speaking, you may file a wrongful death case within two years of your loved one’s passing.

There are other deadlines you may have to consider as you navigate your case. Shulman & Hill can stay on top of the deadlines for you, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Damages for Accidental Death Victims

Injured victims can pursue compensation for damages stemming from their accidents. These personal injury damages include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of income

If your loved one died from their injuries, though, you and your family could be eligible to claim some of those personal injury damages. Your lawyer can explain which personal injury damages you could seek in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Whether or not you and your family are eligible to pursue personal injury damages on behalf of your loved one, you most likely qualify for wrongful death damages. Wrongful death damages focus more on you and your family’s losses rather than on the decedent’s losses. These damages may include:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Other end-of-life expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Conscious pain and suffering

How Much Money Can I Pursue?

That depends on the specifics of your loved one’s accident and injuries, and what type of negligent actions led to their passing. Insurance limits may also play a role in what you can receive.

We want you to receive a fair amount for your losses, whether that amount is in the thousands, the millions, or anywhere in between. If you have any doubts or questions about your case’s worth, your accidental death lawyer serving Staten Island can help. We are always here to support you.

Why File an Accidental Death Case?

It is natural to ask this question after losing a loved one. After all, nothing can bring your loved one back to you, and no amount of money can ever fully compensate you for your loss. How can taking legal action help you and your family process this terrible loss?

At Shulman & Hill, we believe there are several good reasons for seeking damages after an accidental death:

  • Justice: If someone is so negligent that they cause another’s death, they should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Asking them for monetary compensation is one way to hold them responsible.
  • Compensation: Losing a loved one can be very expensive. The money you get from the liable party could help defray end-of-life costs and give you enough to start the next chapter of your life.
  • Peace of mind: You and your family may feel better knowing that the person who caused your loved one’s death has paid for their actions and that you have helped to make your community safer for others.

You may be unsure about your next steps. You likely have many questions you want to be answered before you make a decision. Our firm would be proud to guide you through this difficult and emotional process.

Our Accidental Death Lawyers in Staten Island Can Help

At Shulman & Hill, we understand that this is a terrible time for you and your family. You deserve the chance to process your loved one’s accidental death in peace while one of our lawyers handles the hard work of seeking compensation. If you are in Staten Island, call 212.221.1000 to receive your free case review with one of our accidental death lawyers.

WE WORK WITH YOU
TO GET YOU COMPENSATED

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We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $300 million in compensation

We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $300 million in compensation

We have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover more than $300 million in compensation

NO FEE UNLESS YOU WIN

Everyday working people often struggle to afford top-tier legal representation. To ensure equal access to justice, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we achieve a settlement or verdict in your case.

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"The treatment received by Shulman & Hill was extremely excellent. They treated me like I was part of their family and that gave me a lot of confidence in them. I would recommend them one hundred percent because they are very trained in your area. I congratulate you and ask God to fill you with blessings. Gracias for your support."

Ramon E.

"I would like to thank The Shulman & Hill Law Firm in Brooklyn for their outstanding representation on my worker’s compensation case. The monetary reward exceeded our expectations and Alex worked closely with me to meet and exceed my goals."

John S.

"To anyone in need of a worker’s compensation lawyer, I highly recommend Alex Shulman and his team. They went above and beyond to best accommodate me during my time of injury. All my questions and concerns were answered in a timely manner and with the utmost professionalism. In addition and most importantly they fought to make sure I was correctly compensated for my injuries at time of settlement and didn’t rush to get paid. I will be recommending their firm to anyone and everyone in need of their services."

Chaim L.

"I am both satisfied and relieved with the results this extremely professional and reliable firm did. They lead me through the entire process, they never gave me any issues. They handled everything on their own, and always put a great deal of effort to ensure my comfort and best interest. They were always reachable and answered all my questions, and gave me information even when I didn’t know what the right question to ask was.  They turned a grave dilemma into something very manageable and repairable. They are efficient and do not linger with any paperwork, I was truly amazed at the results and the short time it took. I highly recommend them to anyone, and will seek their counsel in the future."

Akila B.

"I really appreciate the service I received with Shulman & Hill.  They walked me through the process and kept me informed every step of the way.  They would call and leave a message and when I called back, I was connected with a person who knew exactly what my call was about.  I was very satisfied with my settlements. Thank You!"

Aaron R.

"Alex Shulman did a wonderful job walking me through all the process of my case…making sure I understood all the legality and severity of all my hearing. I highly recommend their firm to handle any and all worker’s compensation cases. They strive for your wellbeing health-wise as well as aiming for the financial max."

Altagrace G.

"Schulman & Hill was my very first choice I chose for my WC case . I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. I would highly recommend them to friends. They are very professional and kept me informed during every step of this process. Should I ever need a WC attorney again, God forbid, Shulman & Hill it is, hands down . Thank you ."

Cheryl M.

"I had a great experience with Shulman & Hill. They have a great team and were very understanding and helpful from day one. I felt like I was in good hands and the outcome on my case overreached my expectations! I highly recommend this firm. You can be rest assured that they will fight for you rights."

Anna G.

"My experience with the Shulman & Hill lawyers during this process time was excellent, they are competent and very professional lawyers, they worked quickly with my case and they kept me informed of the whole process all the time. Shulman & Hill’s fans recommend them with closed eyes, thank you very much Shulman & Hill."

Carolyn G.

"Shulman & Hill is the best firm out there. They help you understand....since walking into Shulman & Hill, they have guided me...to get a win. I am completely happy with my compensation. What brought me to Shulman & Hill was their expertise in workers compensation and personal injury cases. What I found value in was in their mission to provide compassionate service..."

Jason S.

"I went to the Internet to find a lawyer to assist me to navigate worker’s compensation process. Shulman & Hill was my first choice  and I have no regrets. I was impressed with the prompt response to my case. I must comment on the office environment and office staff being  friendly, professional and prompt. A big thanks to the lawyers that represented me at the hearings and Valeria who helped to lessen my anxiety are dealing with legal issues. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to anyone that requires legal services."

Ita L.

"The best law firm in NYC! They explain everything to you and they are very generous and helpful. The lawyers are excellent and very respectful as also is the receptionist. I highly recommend the Shulman & Hill law firm."

Davis C.

"Excellent lawyers. Excellent service. I will recommend them as my first choice. They helped me with my case since day one. They know exactly how to work on a case and win it. They worked fast and were always in communication with me.  I won my case with a very high amount. Thanks to all the staff, I wish them my best. They will always be in my heart."

Grace B.

"Had a very positive experience working with Shulman & Hill in the worker’s compensation case. Everyone is very professional and competent. Received the maximum possible settlement in court. I am sincerely grateful to my lawyers and personally Alex Shulman for the work done. I wish you further success and prosperity."

Dmitry M.

"I am so glad that I chose Alex Shulman to represent me in my worker’s compensation case. I have definitely recommended him to some of my coworkers and friends who needed an Attorney. I am so happy with the service I got from him and his paralegals. Thank you very much to the entire staff at Shulman & Hill for everything!"

Ilya K.

"Shulman & Hill have been tremendously helpful in resolving my case. They are extremely professional and thorough. I would recommend them to anyone working to resolve a difficult case."

James M.

"I was very pleased with the work of this firm. They made sure I understood my case and I was never left out of the loop. They were professional and very friendly. I would recommend them to anyone looking for someone who is going to fight for you to the very end."

Jennifer D.

"Do not waste time looking for better. There is no better than Shulman & Hill. I am very happy I got introduced to them by my good friends. Definitely THE BEST there is."

Arian K.

"Shulman and Hill are the absolute best: JJ, Alex and Christine are powerhouse attorneys who get the best results for their clients. I feel like these guys took care of me like family. When you’re dealing with a worker’s compensation case, you’ll want a pit bull to represent you: Shulman & Hill is the firm you need."

Chelsea W.

"Wonderful service quality by the group of professional advocates in the law firm of Shulman & Hill! I did not expect that I will find a proper solution regarding my worker’s compensation. However, it has been possible by the experts and they have made the task easier over the period. Thanks to them for their help."

Corey A.

"I would definitely like to thank Mr. Alex Shulman and his entire staff at Shulman and Hill for their exceptional work in helping me with my Worker’s Compensation case. Their entire staff was courteous and professional from start to finish and all work was done in a timely fashion. I was previously with a different law firm who were not as informative, and they made me feel like I was a mere money to them. I personally recommend the law offices of Shulman & Hill for any injury/ worker’s compensation case you may have. They strive to get you a maximum reward for your injury, while maintaining the utmost courtesy and professionalism."

Dain J.

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