Wrongful Death Attorney New York

Trusted Trial Lawyers For Families Facing Unimaginable Loss

Losing a family member because of someone else’s choices is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face. In that moment, it can be difficult to know whether you should take legal action, how the process works, or who you can trust to handle something so important. When you are looking for a wrongful death attorney New York families can rely on, you need a firm that takes both the legal and human sides of your case seriously.

At Godosky & Gentile, we represent spouses, children, parents, and estates in serious wrongful death cases across this area. We are known as a powerhouse personal injury firm with record-breaking verdicts and settlements in high-stakes litigation, including complex construction incidents and cases involving police misconduct. Families and professionals who work in the courts here turn to us when the outcome matters.

Why Families Turn To Our Firm After A Wrongful Death

When a case involves the death of a loved one, families want more than a general injury practice. They want attorneys who are used to walking into courtrooms here, handling complex fact patterns, and standing up to powerful defendants and insurers. That is why so many people look for a wrongful death lawyer New York judges and lawyers already know and respect. is widely recognized as a premier trial firm in this city. Our attorneys have secured record-breaking verdicts and significant settlements in cases where everything was on the line. They came from careful preparation, a deep understanding of the law, and a willingness to try cases when defendants refuse to take responsibility.

Our team includes former judges who have presided over serious matters in New York courts. They bring insight into how judges think about evidence, credibility, and advocacy, which can be critical in a wrongful death case. We draw on this experience when we build strategies, present arguments, and make decisions about whether to push forward to trial. Lawyers and judges across this state choose our firm when their own careers and reputations are on the line, particularly in disciplinary matters. That level of trust from people inside the system is rare, and it matters for families. It signals that when you bring your case to us, you are placing it with a team that is known for judgment, ethics, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

What A Wrongful Death Claim Can Mean For Your Family

Many families hesitate before calling an attorney, because no amount of money can replace the person they lost. A wrongful death claim is not about putting a price on a life. It is about accountability and financial security for the people who are left behind. In a wrongful death case, the law allows certain losses to be addressed through a civil claim. These can include the income and financial support your loved one would have provided, the value of services they performed for the household, and other economic harms the family now faces. In related claims, there can also be recovery tied to the suffering the person experienced before they passed away.

When a death occurs because someone violated safety rules, cut corners, or misused authority, a claim can also be a way to create change. Holding individuals, companies, or institutions accountable can encourage safer practices and help prevent similar harm to others. Families often tell us that knowing the truth was uncovered and responsibility was pursued matters as much as any financial result. Our role is to guide you through these decisions with clarity and respect. We work to explain what a claim can and cannot do, answer your questions, and help you decide what is right for your family at this moment.

How Wrongful Death Cases Work In New York

Understanding the basic structure of a wrongful death case here can make the process feel less overwhelming. These cases arise when a death is caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another person or entity, whether that is a driver, property owner, medical provider, company, or public agency. New York law outlines who can bring the claim, what damages may be available, and how the case moves through the courts.

In many situations, a personal representative of the estate is the one who brings the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members. We help families understand what this role involves and how it affects the way the case is filed in civil court. The process usually starts with an investigation. We work to identify all potentially responsible parties, collect records, speak with witnesses when appropriate, and assess the strength of the claim. Once we have a clear picture of the facts, we file a lawsuit in an appropriate court here, which could be a trial court in one of the New York City boroughs or another county, depending on where the events and parties are located.

From there, the case moves through phases such as discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and, when necessary, trial. Time limits apply to wrongful death claims here, and the exact deadlines depend on the facts and the entities involved. Because of this, it is important for families to speak with counsel as soon as they can, so there is enough time to investigate and file.

Our Approach To Investigating & Litigating Wrongful Death Cases

Every wrongful death case is different, but in each one, our approach is built on thorough preparation and respect for what the family has been through. We start by listening to you, then we dig into the facts to understand how and why your loved one died. That means looking beyond surface explanations and asking the hard questions about what could and should have been done differently. We review medical records, incident reports, and any other available documentation. Where appropriate, we consult with qualified professionals to analyze issues such as safety standards on construction sites, proper procedures during arrests or encounters with law enforcement, or accepted practices in medical or institutional settings. Our experience with complex construction and police misconduct cases often overlaps with wrongful death matters, which prepares us for the level of detail these cases require.

Once we understand the facts, we identify all potential defendants, which may include individuals, companies, contractors, agencies, or others whose actions contributed to the death. We then develop a litigation plan that aligns with your goals. In some cases, that involves pursuing negotiation and settlement when defendants are willing to take responsibility. In others, it includes preparing for trial in a New York courtroom from the very beginning. Throughout this process, we handle communication with insurers, defense attorneys, and other parties. Families are kept informed and involved in key decisions, but we work to shield you from day-to-day conflict and unnecessary stress. Our trial record signals to defendants that we are prepared to present your case to a jury if needed, which can influence how they approach settlement discussions.

What To Do After A Potential Wrongful Death In New York

There is no perfect way to respond after losing someone you love. At the same time, certain steps can help protect your family’s rights while you process what has happened. Even small actions can make a difference later if you choose to pursue a claim.

Consider taking these steps as you are able:

• Preserve documents and information. Keep medical records, letters, emails, incident reports, and any notices or correspondence from insurance companies or agencies. Save photos, videos, and messages that may relate to what happened.
• Request key records when appropriate. This can include the death certificate and, in some cases, medical records or police incident reports. If you are unsure what to request, we can discuss this with you during a consultation.
• Be cautious with statements and forms. If insurers, institutions, or other parties contact you for detailed statements, releases, or authorizations, it can be wise to speak with an attorney first. People often do not yet know the full story of what occurred.
• Write down your recollection. When you feel ready, notes about what you know, who was involved, and any concerns you had before the death can be very helpful as time passes.
• Reach out to a wrongful death attorney New York families trust. An early consultation allows a lawyer to protect evidence, evaluate potential deadlines, and explain your options before important time limits pass.

Why Ethics & Reputation Matter In A Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death cases often involve sensitive facts, intense scrutiny, and defendants who are determined to avoid responsibility. In that environment, the character and reputation of your attorneys can affect how your case is perceived in and out of the courtroom. You are not only choosing a legal representative. You are choosing the voice that will speak for your loved one in a public forum.

has a long-standing role in New York’s legal community. Lawyers and judges turn to us when they face their own disciplinary problems, and our attorneys have defended dozens of professionals before disciplinary committees. We are also known here for our work in ethics and professional responsibility. That recognition is not just an abstract credential. It reflects a way of practicing law that values honesty with clients and with the courts.

Defendants, insurers, and opposing counsel pay attention to who is on the other side of a case. When they see a firm with a strong trial record and a reputation for principled advocacy, it can influence how seriously they take your claim and how they approach resolution. Our goal is to put that standing to work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Family Has A Wrongful Death Case In New York?

The best way to know is to speak with an attorney who can review the specific facts, but there are some general guidelines. A wrongful death case usually arises when someone’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity under New York law.

It is not necessary for there to be criminal charges for a civil wrongful death case to exist, and the standards of proof are different. What matters is whether the evidence supports a claim that the defendant’s conduct caused the death. During a consultation, we listen to what happened, review available information, and explain whether the law is likely to recognize a claim in your situation.

Who Is Allowed To Bring A Wrongful Death Lawsuit For My Loved One?

In New York, a wrongful death lawsuit is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, rather than by individual family members on their own. This representative may be named in a will or may be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court if there is no will. The claim is then pursued on behalf of the eligible surviving family members.

We understand that this can be confusing when several relatives are grieving and want to do what is right. Part of our role is to explain how the estate process works, help families determine who can serve as the representative, and coordinate the civil case with any necessary Surrogate’s Court proceedings. We work to keep everyone informed so that the legal structure does not add unnecessary strain to an already difficult time.

How Long Do Wrongful Death Cases Usually Take?

The time a wrongful death case takes can vary significantly, depending on the facts, the number of parties involved, and how willing defendants are to resolve the case. Some matters can be resolved through settlement after the evidence is developed and before trial. Others require full litigation through a verdict in a New York courtroom.

Factors that can affect timing include how quickly records and information can be obtained, how complex the liability issues are, and the schedules of the courts where the case is filed. During our initial conversations, we can give you a sense of what to expect based on our experience with similar types of cases here. While no attorney can control every variable, we work to move cases forward efficiently while making sure they are properly prepared.

What Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For A Wrongful Death Case?

Families are often concerned that they cannot afford to pursue a claim, especially after losing a source of income. At , wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means our legal fee is a percentage of the recovery, and it is typically paid at the end of the case from funds obtained through settlement or verdict.

You do not pay an hourly rate or an upfront retainer for us to begin work. During your free consultation, we explain the fee arrangement in detail, including how case expenses are handled, so you can make an informed decision. We aim to open the courthouse doors to families who need representation, regardless of their current financial situation.

Will I Have To Go To Court & Testify About My Loved One’s Death?

You may need to testify, but not every wrongful death case requires extensive court appearances by family members. Many cases resolve through settlement without a trial, and even when a trial is necessary, the number of times you must appear is often limited. Whether testimony is needed depends on what information you have, what other evidence is available, and how the case develops.

If your presence or testimony is important, we take time to prepare you carefully. We explain the process, review potential questions, and support you throughout. Our trial experience in New York courts means we are accustomed to helping clients navigate the emotional and practical aspects of appearing in a courtroom when that step is required.

How Is Your Firm Different From Other Wrongful Death Lawyers In New York?

What sets Godosky & Gentile apart is a combination of trial strength, local standing, and ethical leadership. We are known here for record-breaking verdicts and settlements in high-stakes cases, including matters that involve complex liability and powerful defendants. Our team includes former judges, which gives us an uncommon perspective on how cases are evaluated from the bench.

In addition, lawyers and judges across this state choose us to represent them in disciplinary and ethics-related matters, which speaks to the trust they place in our judgment. Few firms have that role in the legal community. For families, this means you are working with a team that is respected in the courts and committed to handling your case with both skill and integrity.

How Involved Will My Family Need To Be In The Legal Process?

Your level of involvement is something we discuss together, but our goal is to handle the legal work so you do not have to carry it. At the beginning, we need information about your loved one, what you know about the events, and any records you may have. As the case moves forward, there may be times when we ask for your input on decisions such as settlement offers or the direction of litigation.

Outside of those key points, we work to manage investigations, filings, communication with the court, and contact with opposing parties. We provide regular updates in plain language so you know what is happening, and we are available to answer questions as they arise. 

Talk With Our Wrongful Death Lawyers About Your Options

You do not have to figure out these questions alone. If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s conduct, speaking with experienced trial lawyers here can help you understand whether a wrongful death claim is available and what it might mean for your family. A conversation will not commit you to filing a case, and it can provide clarity in a time that often feels uncertain.

At , we bring the resources of a powerhouse New York trial firm to every wrongful death matter we accept. Our trust from people inside the system all stand behind the work we do for families. Consultations are free, and cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront payment to get started.

To discuss your situation with a wrongful death lawyer New York families trust, call (212) 742-9706 today.