Losing a loved one is never easy, but when someone else's negligence or wrongdoing causes their death, the pain can deepen to an unbearable level.
While no amount of money can take your pain away, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
An wrongful death lawyer serving Albany understands the profound impact of wrongful death. The attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. are dedicated to helping families navigate this difficult time with the utmost care and professionalism. Don't hesitate to reach out for the support and guidance you need during this challenging chapter.
Table of contents
- Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Albany Wrongful Death Claim
- What is a Wrongful Death?
- What is the Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
- What Compensation is Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Albany?
- How Can a Lawyer Help With My Wrongful Death Case?
- Contact the Wrongful Death Lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices Today
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Albany Wrongful Death Claim
When faced with the tragedy of a wrongful death in Albany, it's essential to have a legal team on your side that combines experience, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
At William Mattar Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys bring extensive knowledge and a proven track record of success in handling these complex and emotionally charged cases. We understand the intricacies of wrongful death law in New York State and will apply this knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.
Our team approaches every client with compassion, respect, and sensitivity, recognizing the profound grief and challenges you are facing. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the support you need throughout the legal process.
Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your loved one's passing, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of your losses.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we are dedicated to pursuing justice for you and your family. We will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure maixmum compensation.
As our client, you will receive personalized attention and regular updates from your assigned attorney, who will be directly involved in your case and accessible to address your concerns every step of the way.
Choose William Mattar Law Offices for your Albany wrongful death claim, and let our experienced, compassionate, and committed team fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve during this difficult time.
What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In legal terms, a wrongful death is a civil matter that allows the surviving family members of the deceased to seek compensation for their losses.
Some common examples of situations that may lead to a wrongful death claim include:
- Fatal car accidents caused by negligent or impaired drivers
- Medical malpractice resulting in the death of a patient
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper safety equipment
- Criminal acts, such as assault or murder
To pursue a wrongful death claim in Albany, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant's actions directly caused the death and that the death resulted in quantifiable damages to the surviving family members. These damages may include medical and funeral expenses, lost income and benefits, and loss of companionship.
Wrongful Death
- Wrongful death is a civil matter that allows the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased to seek compensation for their losses.
- The negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party cause the death.
- The burden of proof in a wrongful death case is generally preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff must prove that the defendant more likely than not caused the death.
- Damages in a wrongful death case are awarded to compensate the surviving family members for their losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
In New York State, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim generally gives you a two-year window. After that, the court may refuse to hear the case, and you can lose the right to seek compensation forever.
Given the strict deadlines and the complexity of wrongful death cases, consult an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the loss of your loved one in Albany. An attorney can help you understand the specific deadlines applicable to your case and promptly file all necessary paperwork to protect your right to seek maximum compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Albany, New York?
In New York State, the personal representative (also known as the executor or administrator) of the deceased person's estate has standing to file a wrongful death claim. This individual is typically named in the deceased's will or, when necessary, appointed by the court.
While the personal representative is the one who files the claim, the purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to seek compensation on behalf of the deceased person's beneficiaries, who are typically close family members.
These beneficiaries may include:
- Surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
What Compensation is Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Albany?
The damages awarded in a successful wrongful death claim go to the beneficiaries based on their relationship to the deceased and the extent of their losses.
These damages may include:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased's final illness or injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of inheritance
- Value of parental care and guidance for surviving children
- Conscious pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death can also be pursued in a “survival action”
To protect your rights and the rights of your family members after an Albany wrongful death, consult a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer who can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Wrongful Death Case?
An experienced wrongful death lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices can provide invaluable support and guidance during this challenging time, helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. Here are some of the key ways our attorneys can assist with your wrongful death case:
Assessing Your Case
During an initial consultation, your lawyer will listen to your story, gather information about the circumstances of your loved one's death, and evaluate the merits of your wrongful death claim. This assessment will help determine the best course of action for the unique situation.
Investigating the Incident
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your loved one's death, gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. This investigation will help build a strong foundation for your case and establish liability.
Identifying Liable Parties
In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for a wrongful death. Your lawyer will work to identify all potentially responsible parties, which may include individuals, businesses, or government entities, to ensure that all avenues for compensation are pursued.
Calculating Damages
Your attorney will help determine the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. This assessment will be crucial in negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing a jury award.
Handling Communication and Negotiations
Your lawyer will communicate with insurance companies, the defendant's legal team, and other relevant parties on your behalf, protecting your rights throughout the process. If the responsible party will not agree to a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to trial.
Contact the Wrongful Death Lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices Today
At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand that no amount of compensation can ever replace the loss of your loved one. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens you may be facing and provide a sense of justice and closure during this difficult time.
Our experienced and compassionate wrongful death lawyers can guide you through every step of the legal process after a wrongful death in Albany, from assessing your case and investigating the incident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing your interests in court, if necessary. We will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure maximum compensation.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing in Albany, don't hesitate to reach out to William Mattar Law Offices. Contact us at (518) 592-6518 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. Let our family help you during this challenging time.