Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Buffalo and All of New York

The Buffalo wrongful death lawyers at Fromen Injury Law understand the profound pain and turmoil that follows the unexpected loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a family member can bring a flood of emotions, including shock, grief, anger, and helplessness. Navigating day-to-day life is hard enough, and the financial uncertainties that accompany such a loss can feel overwhelming.

You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our experienced lawyers are here to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you find the best path forward for your family. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, or parent in an accident caused by another’s recklessness or negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the financial and emotional burdens that arise. Through a wrongful death claim, families in New York can pursue compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and other related costs.

Fromen Injury Law is committed to helping individuals and families recover the justice and compensation they deserve. We fight for our clients like family. Our passion for excellence has helped our firm recover more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements over the past 60 years.

Contact us today online or at 716-855-1222 for a FREE case evaluation. We help clients in Buffalo and across New York. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and secure the support you need to rebuild your life.

Get Started With a FREE Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


$43,000,000
accident involving a police vehicle
$19,000,000
for passenger injured in motor vehicle accident
$12,000,000
for burns from deep fat fryer
$7,600,000
railroad worker burned in train accident with tractor-trailer
$7,300,000
for passenger injured in motor vehicle accident
$7,100,000
for passenger injured in multi-vehicle collision
$6,600,000
wrongful death case involving drunk driver
$6,500,000
girl burned by grease from a deep fryer
$4,700,000
railroad conductor who was permanently disabled
$4,000,000
passenger in a minivan that hit a farm tractor
$3,000,000
spinal injuries in labor Law construction site accident
$2,800,000
products liability arm amputation case
$2,780,000
railroad engineer injured due to excessive vibrations
$2,500,000
driver injured by intoxicated truck driver
$2,300,000
wrongful death construction site accident

Scroll Left Scroll Right

What Is Wrongful Death?

In the simplest terms, wrongful death is the death of a person as the result of the wrongful act of someone else. It refers to a situation in which someone’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity. New York law defines a wrongful death as one caused by “a wrongful act, neglect or default,” for which the deceased may have pursued a personal injury lawsuit had he or she lived (see N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 5-4.1).

If someone caused the loss of your loved one, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses in a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit is not a criminal case; it is a civil case. The purpose of wrongful death claims is to compensate the deceased’s survivors and estate for related damages and losses, rather than to punish the responsible party, as in a criminal case.

In wrongful death lawsuits, it is not necessary to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the responsible party intended to harm the deceased. The fundamental elements of a wrongful death claim include:

Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit cannot make up for the loss of someone dear, but it could help you avoid undue financial strain that you don’t deserve. The Buffalo wrongful death lawyers at Fromen Injury Law understand what a difficult time this is for you and your family. We are committed to holding the party or parties responsible for your loved one’s passing accountable for their actions. We fight for our clients like family and we don’t back down when the going gets tough.


Fromen Law - Personal Injury Lawyers

Have a Legal Question? You’ve Come to the Right Place.


Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York?

The only person who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York is the personal representative (executor) of the deceased person’s estate. This person is usually named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if there is no will. However, the compensation awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit benefits the deceased’s surviving family members, who typically include:

  1. Spouse: The deceased’s surviving spouse
  2. Children: The deceased’s surviving children
  3. Parents: If the deceased had no spouse or children, the parents may benefit from the lawsuit
  4. Other dependents: Other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren

The personal representative files the lawsuit on behalf of these beneficiaries to seek compensation for various damages, including loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, and funeral expenses.

What Damages Are Available?

In a successful wrongful death case, “damages”—or the losses you claim—are awarded to the survivors or the estate of the deceased to compensate them for the death. The amount and types of damages awarded in your case will depend on the unique circumstances of your situation.

Depending on the specifics in your case, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

Note that New York does not allow surviving family members to recover their own damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, or loss of companionship. 


Testimonials

Voices From Our Buffalo Community

Real Clients. True Stories. Superior Results.
Testimonial from Kevin
Would be well advised to hire Fromen Injury Law

“The advice I received from Fromen Injury Law was not only sound and solid, but also reassured me that they were staying close to the outcome of my case as well as my personal well being. I can say that anyone injured in a construction site accident would be well advised to hire Fromen Injury Law.”

Testimonial from Geraldine
With me every step of the way

“The attorneys at Fromen Injury Law relieved all my worries with regard to my lost wages and medical bills. They walked me through every step of my case from the beginning to the end. Even though it wasn’t a million dollar case, they treated it like it was.”

Testimonial from Norman
Fromen Injury Law obtained a multi-million dollar settlement

“As a result of my accident I was rendered paraplegic. I needed to know that my financial and medical future would be taken care of by my attorneys. Fromen Injury Law obtained a multi-million dollar settlement that accomplished my objective. Now I can live the rest of my life with the dignity and financial security I had hoped to achieve.”

Testimonial from Steve
I was treated like family every step of the way

“From the time I retained them after my injury on the railroad, and even after my case, I was treated like family every step of the way. I never doubted that their sole goal was to make the railroad fully accountable for causing my injuries and to insure that my family’s financial future was secure.”

Testimonial from Cheryl
Exceptionally skilled, hard working and professional.

“From the moment I called Fromen Injury Law until my case was resolved, they were there for me every step of the way. They were exceptionally skilled, hard working and professional. The results they obtained exceeded my expectations.”

Testimonial from Candice
I definitely feel like I am more than a client.

“Fred’s motto was ‘We’ll take care of everything, we just want you to get better.’ He pretty much made a really stressful time very mellow. I definitely feel like I am more than a client and I would always refer, every time.”

Testimonial from Jose
Now they’re part of my family.

“I was working as a roofer and it caved and I fell around thirty-something feet. I broke bones and started feeling pain. They told me the next step would be amputation. Everything is difficult after that. [My lawyer Fred] said ‘We’ll cover you.’ They took care of the bills until we finished. The result that I got was higher than I thought.”

Testimonial from Mark
I don’t know where I would be without Fromen Injury Law today.

“From the first phone call I made, I felt I was important to them, I felt I was treated like a family member. They were able to get the max coverage in the accident. I would recommend to anyone to use Fromen Injury Law.”

Previous Testimonials
More Testimonials

What if a Wrongful Death Victim Is Partially Blamed for the Accident?

In New York, if a wrongful death victim is partially blamed for the accident, the principle of “comparative negligence” applies. This means that the compensation you may be awarded can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased person.

For example, if your loved one is found to be 30% at fault for the accident in which they died, the total damages awarded will be reduced by 30%. So, if the total damages are $100,000, you would only receive $70,000.

Because of this, it is imperative that you work with an experienced lawyer with a record of success in these difficult cases. You will need an attorney with the knowledge and resources necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and build a compelling case on your behalf. The Buffalo wrongful death lawyers at Fromen Injury Law have built a reputation for excellence in these cases. We understand the complexities of New York Law and we know how to successfully pursue the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death (see New York Consolidated Laws, Estates, Powers and Trusts Law – EPT § 5-4.1). This means that the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the lawsuit within two years to avoid losing the right to pursue legal action.

There are some exceptions and special circumstances that might affect this timeframe, such as cases involving medical malpractice or government entities, which may have different notice requirements or deadlines. However, in most situations, it is crucial to act within the two-year period to preserve the right to seek compensation.


Free Case Evaluation

We Don’t Get Paid Until You Do


Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is cut short due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. Various circumstances can lead to wrongful death, each with unique factors and considerations. Below are some of the most common causes of wrongful death.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death. They can result from various factors, including:

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in more severe outcomes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Common causes include:

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of protective barriers. Causes of fatal motorcycle accidents include:

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are at a high risk of fatal injuries when involved in traffic accidents. Contributing factors to pedestrian accidents include:

Animal Attacks

Fatal animal attacks, particularly dog bites, can result from:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can be fatal, particularly for older adults. Causes include:

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can be fatal. Common causes of construction site accidents include:


Talk to a Buffalo Wrongful Death Lawyer for FREE

While it’s impossible to put a price on a loved one’s life, it’s important to ensure that the compensation you receive is fair. Unfortunately, insurance companies do everything they can to minimize payouts. They often attempt to settle out of court with offers that are much lower than what you deserve.

The Buffalo wrongful death lawyers at Fromen Injury Law will deal with the insurance company on your behalf. If you are not offered a fair settlement, our attorneys are prepared to take the matter to court. We know what a difficult time this may be for you and your family, and we are committed to helping you achieve justice with strength and dignity.

Contact Fromen Injury Law today online or at 716-855-1222 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve clients from Buffalo and across New York.