Wrongful Death Lawyers Near You in Staten Island, NY

Losing a loved one leaves families with a void that can never be filled. When a loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the pain is often magnified by a sense of injustice and financial uncertainty. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, we understand that grieving families need more than just legal representation during this difficult time. Our wrongful death lawyers in Staten Island, NY, provide compassionate support and carry the weight of the legal process so you can focus on supporting each other.

Family mourning loved one at funeral.

Key Takeaways

  • Two-year deadline — Families generally have two years from the date of the passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York.
  • Legal standing to file — In New York, the executor or representative of the estate must file the claim on behalf of beneficiaries, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
  • Recoverable damages — A wrongful death settlement or award  may cover damages such as funeral costs, loss of future financial support, medical bills, and any pain they suffered before passing.
  • Proven advocacy — With more than five decades of experience, our dedicated personal injury lawyers have recovered over $500 million for clients in New York and New Jersey. 

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person dies due to the "wrongful act, neglect, or default" of another party. Essentially, if your loved one could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their estate can pursue a wrongful death claim on the family’s behalf. Although nothing can replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit holds responsible parties accountable and provides financial stability for grieving families. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under New York law, the personal representative or executor of the deceased person’s estate must file a wrongful death lawsuit. Although this civil claim is brought by the estate, it is distributed to beneficiaries, typically a surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in New York

Our Staten Island wrongful death attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including:



Over the past 50 years, we’ve helped thousands of families in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas pursue the compensation they need to find a sense of justice and financial stability.

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Families may recover only certain types of damages in wrongful death lawsuits in New York, including:


  • Lost earnings — The loss of the deceased person’s future income and benefits
  • Medical bills—Treatment costs associated with the accident, injury, or death
  • Household services — The value of chores, childcare, and maintenance provided by the deceased
  • Pain and suffering — Compensation for the pain a victim endured prior to their passing
  • Loss of parental guidance —Damages for the loss of a parent's nurturing and guidance
  • Funeral and burial expenses 

How We Build Your Wrongful Death Claim

When mourning a loss, you shouldn’t have to worry about collecting evidence or negotiating with insurance companies. Our Staten Island wrongful death attorneys handle all aspects of your case so you and your family can focus on healing. 

Investigation

Our team meticulously investigates the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, so no detail is overlooked. We act quickly to preserve valuable evidence such as police and accident reports, video footage, cell phone records, and other relevant evidence. We analyze this evidence and connect the dots to demonstrate liability and build a compelling case for wrongful death damages. 

Working with Specialists

Proving exactly what happened and who is at fault often requires collaboration with experts. We work with accident reconstructionists, investigators, and medical professionals to create a clear picture of how the tragedy occurred. Our team also consults with economists to accurately calculate the long-term financial impact on your family.

Demonstrating the Impact of Your Loss

A successful claim isn't just about proving fault, it’s about showing who your loved one was and what their absence means to your family. Focusing on the human side of your case by documenting the care, guidance, and financial stability they provided can help to ensure the final settlement or award reflects the full depth of your loss.


Our team is familiar with the tactics insurers often employ to minimize payouts and deny claims. We know how to counter their arguments and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. 

Why Choose Our Staten Island Wrongful Death Attorneys?

Our team understands that filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a tough decision when you’re adjusting to the painful reality of life without a beloved spouse or family member. Our attorneys believe that legal advocacy should be as compassionate as it is effective. At Chelli & Bush, we provide:


  • Compassionate counsel — Our tem offers a supportive environment where your family’s needs come first. We take the time to listen and understand the unique life your loved one lived.
  • Decades of local experience — With more than five decades of experience, we’re well-versed in the complexities of New York wrongful death law. Our attorneys understand the nuances of local courts and know how to build compelling cases that get results for our clients.
  • Relentless advocacy — We stand up to powerful insurance companies with patience, strategy, and determination. Our client testimonials demonstrate our team’s commitment to making things right for victims and their families in New York and New Jersey.
  • No financial risk — Our law firm takes wrongful death and personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs and won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless we successfully secure a recovery for you.
  • Clear communication — Our team provides responsive service you can trust. Your attorney keeps you updated throughout the entire process so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Near You in Staten Island, NY

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, let Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, fight for the justice you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney near you in Staten Island, NY, contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death Claims in New York

How are wrongful death settlements distributed among families?

Under New York law, proceeds from a wrongful death lawsuit are distributed following the same legal rules as when someone dies without a will.


  • Spouse only — The surviving spouse receives the entire settlement
  • Spouse and children — The spouse receives $50,000 plus half of the remaining balance, while the children share the rest equally.
  • Children only —Children share the entire settlement equally
  • No spouse or children —Parents or other next of kin may be eligible to receive funds


In Staten Island and surrounding areas, all distributions must be approved by the Surrogate’s Court in Brooklyn to ensure all beneficiaries’ interests are protected. The court has discretion to adjust allocations if certain family members were more financially dependent than others.


How long will my wrongful death case take?

Each case is unique, but most wrongful death claims take between one and three years to resolve. The timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, length of the investigation, and whether the insurance company offers a fair settlement. Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but we’re ready to take your case to trial if a reasonable agreement can’t be reached.



What’s difference between wrongful death and homicide?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim that can be brought by a deceased person’s estate to seek financial compensation for a family’s losses. Homicide is a criminal charge prosecuted by the state against someone who has allegedly caused another person’s death. A civil case can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed.