Have You Lost Someone You Love In An Accident?
Losing a loved one is the most painful experience any of us can go through. When you know that loss could have been prevented by someone being more careful, the pain and grief are made so much worse.
Fighting For Justice
After losing someone you love in an accident, building a strong case is essential to being able to secure justice. Everyone wants to see accountability after a fatal accident has claimed the life of someone they care about. The best way to do that is to work with an attorney who has a record that illustrates his or her ability to generate positive results.
Attorney Anthony Verrelli is a Bronx native who has been working to help people for more than 27 years.
Securing Full Compensation Helps You And Sends A Message
Often, after a fatal accident, a family is left with medical bills and other expenses caused by the accident. By fighting for the maximum compensation, we can help you and your family find financial stability at the same time we are pursuing justice.
Making A Difference For Our Clients
At Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we understand how hard it is to lose someone you love and how hard it is to take action afterward. That is why we work hard to take the burden off people’s shoulders. We want you to be able to have the time and space to focus on what matters most while we work on building a case that will secure justice and compensation for you and your family.
Key Questions Families Ask About Wrongful Death Cases
Losing a family member because of someone’s negligence can leave you unsure where to start. The answers below outline how a wrongful death case works in New York and what your family can expect:
What are the steps in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Your attorney first determines whether state law allows the claim and whether the court has jurisdiction. In New York, only the personal representative of your loved one’s estate can file the lawsuit. That person files the case in the Supreme Court of the county where the death occurred or where the defendant resides.
Your lawyer investigates the cause of death, reviews police reports, medical records and financial statements, and consults professionals to prove how negligence caused the loss. The attorney then drafts a formal complaint that identifies each defendant, outlines what occurred and requests specific damages. After the defendants respond, both sides exchange documents, conduct depositions and gather testimony during discovery.
Some wrongful death cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. If the parties cannot reach a fair settlement, your attorney takes the case to trial for a judge or jury to determine who is responsible and what compensation applies. Once the case concludes, the court supervises how to allocate the recovery among eligible surviving family members according to state law.
What types of damages are available in a wrongful death case?
New York allows recovery for financial losses that result directly from the death. You may recover funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, lost income, benefits, and household services your loved one would have provided. You may also seek the monetary value of parental care, guidance and education for surviving children.
If your loved one consciously suffered before passing, the estate may file a related survival action to pursue compensation for that pain. In cases involving willful or reckless conduct, the court can award punitive damages to discourage similar acts. New York law currently limits recovery to economic losses and does not permit damages for grief or emotional suffering. The total award depends on evidence showing the financial impact of your loss.
What if the deceased was partly at fault for the accident?
New York uses a pure comparative negligence system. Even when your loved one bears some responsibility, you can still pursue compensation. The court adjusts the final recovery based on the share of fault assigned to each party. For example, if the deceased was 25% at fault and the total damages equal $1 million, your family may receive $750,000.
Comparative negligence ensures that even when fault is shared, you can still hold others accountable for their role in the death. Your attorney’s role includes gathering evidence to establish liability and reduce any unfair fault percentages that insurance companies or opposing parties may claim.
Understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions, safeguard your family’s financial security and focus on honoring your loved one’s life while seeking accountability.
Wrongful Death Attorney Serving The Bronx And Throughout New York
If you have lost a loved one to an accident, turn to Anthony L. Verrelli & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for compassionate and effective help. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 929-523-0869 or contact us online.