Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney | Compassionate and Comprehensive Legal Support For Surviving Family Members

Life Can Change In An Instant. Be Ready With William Mattar Law Offices.

The untimely passing of a loved one requires the help of compassionate legal support of a Buffalo wrongful death attorney from William Mattar Law Offices.

Our experienced legal team understands the immense pain and suffering that comes with losing a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. We are dedicated to helping families seek justice and compensation for their loss.

Get your free case evaluation with our empathetic and experienced attorneys today.

Buffalo Wrongful Death Guide

• Do You Have a Valid Wrongful Death Case in Buffalo, NY?
• How Much is My Wrongful Death Case Worth in Buffalo, NY?
• Our Practice Areas
• Choose a Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney From William Mattar | Strength in Advocacy and Rest in Resolution
• Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs

Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorneys?

We Understand Your Grief.

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and decisions, it is essential to seek someone you can trust to shoulder the legal burden. That someone is William Mattar Law Offices.

Our personal injury firm offers a compassionate approach to guide you through this challenging period. We promise to handle your case with empathy and respect, recognizing that your main priority is grieving and finding peace.

We have a track record of success when it comes to advocating for the rights of families who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, helping to recover funeral expenses, medical bills, and the intangible yet priceless loss of companionship.

William Mattar Law Offices have assisted NY residents with personal injury, accident, and wrongful death claims since 1990. Since then, our humble practice has expanded to over 10 offices in New York and even more nationwide.

Our extensive knowledge and resources ensure that should we take your case, you get the justice and compensation you deserve after the wrongful death of a loved one.

With no obligation and no upfront fees, our attorneys will provide you with personalized attention and support for your family’s needs during this difficult time.

Schedule your free consultation with our Buffalo personal injury attorneys and start your journey toward healing and closure today.

Do You Have a Valid Wrongful Death Case in Buffalo, NY?

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitation in NY

New York affords surviving family members two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, it may be from the date the family discovered the cause of death.

However, there are exceptions to this statute that may shorten or extend filing periods, including:

• If the deceased was a minor, the two-year statute of limitations starts once they turn 18 years old.
• If the death occurred as a result of medical malpractice, the statute of limitation may be extended to 30 months from the date of death.
• The statute of limitations may be extended if the responsible party attempts to cover up the cause of death or delay a discovery.

Other circumstances may change the time frame of a wrongful death claim. With the time it takes to grieve the loss of a loved one, it is easy to miss your filing window. This is why it is crucial to seek legal advice from our experienced wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible.

What is Wrongful Death in Buffalo, NY?

In New York, wrongful death is classified as a death caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another person or party. These factors can be the complete or partial cause of someone’s death.

Wrongful death doesn’t always have to be immediate. It can also include cases where the victim suffered injuries that ultimately led to their passing.

For example, a person involved in a car accident may sustain injuries that worsen over time and result in their death, making it a wrongful death case.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Buffalo

Because any negligent, reckless, or intentional act that results in someone’s death can be considered wrongful, there is no limit to the types of cases that fall into this category.

Some common examples in Buffalo, NY, include:

• Car accidents caused by a drunk or distracted driver
• Bicycle accidents caused by a driver’s failure to yield
• Pedestrian accidents caused by a driver’s failure to obey traffic signals
• Employer negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment

The list goes on, but no matter the specific circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, our Buffalo wrongful death attorneys can help you understand if you have a valid case and how to move forward with legal action.

What Is Not Considered Wrongful Death in Buffalo?

While there are countless ways someone can tragically pass away due to the actions of another person, not all deaths are considered wrongful.

Some examples that do not qualify as wrongful death in Buffalo include:

• Natural causes or illnesses
• Self-inflicted injuries or suicide
• Deaths caused by individuals who were acting in self-defense
• Deaths resulting from a criminal act or during the commission of a crime by the deceased

The overwhelming amount of emotions after the death of a loved one can make it challenging to determine if their passing qualifies as wrongful death.

This is why it’s essential to seek guidance from our experienced and empathetic wrongful death lawyers, who can provide a clear understanding of your legal options and help you navigate the process with compassion and care.

How Much is My Wrongful Death Case Worth in Buffalo, NY?

Understanding Compensation for Wrongful Death in New York

No amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability during this difficult time.

In Buffalo, NY, surviving family members can sue for the following damages in a wrongful death case:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final illness or injury
• Loss of financial support and household services provided by the deceased
• Loss of parental guidance, care, and nurturing for surviving minor children
• Loss of companionship, affection, love, and emotional support
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

New York courts may allow for the recovery of additional damages in exceptional cases, such as punitive damages meant to punish a defendant’s outrageous or reckless conduct.

The Cost of Wrongful Death Case in Buffalo, NY

You may find the legal process daunting and worry about the cost of pursuing a wrongful death case.

However, before you shy away from seeking justice for your loved one, consider the average costs of a wrongful death claim that surviving family members will have to cover:

• Funeral and Burial Costs. In Buffalo, these expenses range from $6,489 to $8,537, depending on the type of service and burial chosen. Without a wrongful death claim, these costs will fall solely on the surviving family members, who could see tens of thousands more added after caskets, urns, and other related expenses are factored in.
• Medical Bills. ICU facilities are often where the victim of a severe accident receives care before passing away. In Buffalo, NY, daily costs for ICU treatment average $7,240+. For many surviving family members, this is a substantial expense to absorb after weeks or months of treatment.
• Loss of Earnings. When the deceased is also the primary earner in the family, their passing can lead to significant financial hardship for surviving family members. Depending on the victim’s age, occupation, and expected future earnings potential at the time of death, this loss can amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
• Mental Anguish. The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, but it can also result in increased mental health challenges that require treatment and therapy. Surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for these expenses through a wrongful death claim as well. Considering the average hourly rate for mental health services in Buffalo, NY, is $150+, these costs can add up quickly after months or years of treatment.

These expenses only cover a fraction of the potential economic and non-economic losses surviving family members face after the death of a loved one.

Get you free consultation with a Buffalo wrongful death attorney at William Mattar Law Offices for a more accurate estimate of your case’s potential value.

Beneficiaries of a Wrongful Death Settlement

In a wrongful death case, only certain family members, legal heirs, or designated beneficiaries may receive compensation through a settlement or verdict.

Under New York laws, these may include:

• Spouse: If the deceased was married at the time of death, their spouse is usually the primary beneficiary and can seek damages for loss of support, companionship, and more.
• Children: Whether minors or adults, surviving children can seek compensation for losing parental guidance and support. If the children are minors at the time of the death, their legal guardian or guardian ad litem may handle their claim.
• Parents: If the deceased was a minor at the time of death or was an adult with no surviving spouse or children, their parents can be the beneficiaries of a wrongful death settlement.
• Estate Representative: If no surviving individuals qualify under New York law, the estate’s representative or executor may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. Any amount awarded would go toward settling outstanding debts or be distributed to the designated beneficiaries.

Wrongful death laws and rules for the distribution of compensation are even more confusing when multiple family members want to pursue a claim.

To avoid conflicts among family members and ensure the fairest distribution of compensation, call (716) 444-4444 for your free consultation with a wrongful death attorney from our law firm.

Our Practice Areas

William Mattar Law Offices offers Buffalo and New York residents legal representation in multiple practice areas, including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• Self-Driving Car Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents

Whether these accidents led to wrongful death, serious bodily harm, or lost earning potential, our legal team stands ready to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

Fill out our online form to hold responsible parties accountable for their reckless, careless, or negligent actions.

Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs

Choose a Buffalo Wrongful Death Attorney From William Mattar | Strength in Advocacy and Rest in Resolution

There is no easy way to cope with the loss of a loved one, especially when it occurs due to someone else’s wrongful actions. At William Mattar Law Offices, we believe your loss is more than a case; it’s about your family, justice, and peace.

Don’t let someone else’s negligence or recklessness go unpunished. Schedule your free consultation with a Buffalo wrongful death attorney from William Mattar Law Offices 24/7 in person, online, or online or at (716) 444-4444.