Wrongful Death Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Rochester
The sudden loss of a loved one can leave families facing not only grief but also financial uncertainty and complex legal challenges. In Rochester, families rely on attorneys who move quickly, understand local courts, and fight to hold responsible parties accountable.
Our wrongful death attorneys handle a broad spectrum of fatal accident cases, representing families whose loved ones were lost because of negligence, carelessness, or corporate misconduct.
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Construction accidents
- Defective products
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
- Premises liability
- Bicycle accidents
Every wrongful death claim in Rochester is treated as urgent and personal. We conduct thorough investigations, working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial specialists to document the full impact of your loss. With fierce advocacy, we ensure your family receives the maximum compensation the law allows while shielding you from unnecessary stress during this devastating time.
Wrongful Death Lawyers Committed to Your Family’s Justice
In Rochester, insurance companies and negligent parties often push for the smallest possible settlement. You need a wrongful death attorney who acts decisively, anticipates every tactic, and holds wrongdoers fully accountable. We are relentless advocates who understand the real stakes and will fight to maximize every dollar your family is entitled to.
Cases Prepared to Win
We treat each case as if it will go to trial from day one. That level of preparation demonstrates to insurers that we are not negotiators but lawyers who leave no room for lowball offers.
Direct Access, Full Transparency
You will work directly with a dedicated wrongful death attorney in Rochester at all times. We eliminate layers of staff and voicemail barriers, providing immediate answers and guidance.
Maximizing Every Possible Recovery
We identify every avenue of compensation, from lost income and future financial support to medical bills, household contributions, and other economic losses.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Case
Recoverable damages in a wrongful death case are not just numbers, but the financial foundation your family needs to move forward. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, you gain a team of personal injury attorneys in Rochester who combine precision, strategy, and relentless advocacy to secure every available dollar while holding negligent parties fully accountable.
Families may be able to recover:
- Final medical treatment and care: All costs leading up to the death, including emergency care, hospitalization, and specialized treatments.
- Funeral and burial expenses: From cremation or burial costs to related services and logistical expenses.
- Lost earnings and future financial contributions: Wages, retirement benefits, and income the deceased would have provided over a lifetime.
- Household contributions and services: Unpaid work such as childcare, home repairs, and caregiving that the deceased provided.
- Projected inheritance or financial support: Funds that your family would have reasonably expected to receive.
Many insurance companies attempt to settle for far less than families are entitled to, hoping they will accept the first offer. Our wrongful death attorneys in Rochester dig deeper, calculating the full scope of losses with the help of financial experts, life care planners, and other specialists. We pursue every dollar, ensuring your family leaves no compensation behind.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Pursues Justice for Your Family
After a wrongful death, the legal process can be complicated and aggressive, with insurance companies and negligent parties often trying to minimize your family’s recovery. In such difficult moments, having a Rochester wrongful death lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
We fight relentlessly to translate your grief into justice, ensuring no aspect of your family’s loss is ignored.
✓ Comprehensive evidence collection: From accident reports to expert witness analysis, we document every fact that supports your claim.
✓ Detailed financial evaluation: We quantify lost income, benefits, and household contributions to ensure no loss is overlooked.
✓ Aggressive insurance negotiations: We lead discussions with insurers and defendants to secure fair settlements.
✓ Shielding families from pressure tactics: You focus on your life while we manage deadlines, filings, and complex negotiations.
✓ Trial-ready preparation: Every case is built as if it will go to court, giving your family maximum leverage.
✓ Expert collaboration: We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial advisors to strengthen your case.
Families in Rochester deserve attorneys who recognize the human story behind every case and fight tirelessly to honor it. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we combine skill, strategy, and compassion to ensure accountability, secure your family’s financial future, and deliver the recognition your loved one’s life warrants. We stand as unwavering advocates so your family can move forward with dignity, justice, and confidence.
Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Rochester, NY?
In New York, not everyone affected by a death can bring a lawsuit. Filing a wrongful death claim requires legal authority, and acting promptly is essential to preserve your family’s right to compensation. A wrongful death attorney at our firm can guide your family through these rules, ensuring the right people take action and no opportunity for justice is lost. Eligible claimants typically include:
- The surviving spouse: The decedent’s husband or wife usually has the primary right to file, even if divorce proceedings were underway but not finalized. Common-law marriages are not recognized under New York law, so only legally married spouses are eligible.
- Children of the decedent: If no spouse survives, the children can bring a claim. Courts can appoint a representative if any children are minors to ensure their rights are protected.
- Parents or siblings: When there is no surviving spouse or children, the decedent’s parents may file. If parents are deceased, siblings can pursue the claim.
- The personal representative of the estate: Executors or administrators can bring a claim when no immediate family members are able to act, ensuring the estate’s financial interests are represented.
Wrongful death claims in Rochester require precise legal knowledge and careful timing. We help families understand who can file, guide the process from start to finish, and ensure your case is handled with the strategy and attention it deserves.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In New York, the general statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from seeking justice and compensation. If a government entity is responsible, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days from the date of death.
Special circumstances, such as minor children or delayed discovery, can sometimes affect these deadlines. Because the rules are strict and the process is complex, consulting a Rochester wrongful death attorney as soon as possible is essential. We can make sure that your claim is filed correctly and on time, protecting your family’s right to justice and financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a tragic loss, it’s normal to have more questions than answers. Our wrongful death lawyers address the issues families ask about most to help you understand the process. For guidance specific to your case, we encourage you to contact our law firm for a free consultation.
Do most wrongful death cases settle?
In Rochester, NY (and nationally), the majority of wrongful death claims do settle before trial. Settlements are often encouraged by both sides to avoid the cost, time, and emotional toll of litigation. A well-prepared case backed by evidence, expert testimony, and clear liability often encourages the at-fault party or insurer to negotiate a fair settlement.
Nevertheless, if the offer doesn’t reflect the full value of your family’s loss, your wrongful death attorney will be prepared to take the case to court to seek fair compensation.
What are the most common types of wrongful death accidents in Rochester?
In Rochester and Monroe County, the most frequent causes of wrongful death include motor vehicle accidents, which account for dozens of fatalities each year, construction and workplace accidents, which are a leading source of work-related deaths, and pedestrian or bicycle collisions, which have been rising in recent years. Other notable causes include medical errors, nursing home neglect, and defective products. Each type of case requires careful investigation to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Is it hard to win a wrongful death lawsuit in Rochester, NY?
Wrongful death lawsuits in Rochester are challenging because they require proving that someone’s negligence directly caused the death and quantifying the financial impact on the surviving family. That said, these cases are far from unwinnable when handled by experienced attorneys. The key is acting quickly, gathering thorough evidence, and consulting the right experts. Our Rochester wrongful death lawyers build every case meticulously, ensuring no detail is overlooked, and we fight relentlessly to secure full and fair compensation for your family.
What is the maximum payout for wrongful death in New York?
New York law doesn’t impose a fixed “maximum payout” for wrongful death claims. Compensation depends on the circumstances, including the victim’s age, earning potential, medical costs, funeral expenses, and the extent of financial dependence by surviving family members.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer at your firm?
Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win compensation for your family. This ensures that every family, regardless of financial situation, can access skilled legal representation when it matters most.
How long will my wrongful death case take to resolve?
The timeline for a wrongful death claim in Rochester depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether a settlement can be reached outside of court. Many cases can be resolved within six months to two years, though some may take longer if litigation is necessary. From the start, your wrongful death attorney keeps your case moving efficiently while ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision.