Western New York Wrongful Death Attorneys

A fatal accident often leaves a family heartbroken and struggling to cope with the questions and uncertainty of life without their loved one. The deceased may have been the primary breadwinner or may have required extensive medical treatment, so those left behind face financial hardship with no idea where the money will come from. Adding to their pain is the knowledge that the death was caused by another’s negligence.

Police reports and investigations will be conducted, the insurance company will make its own investigations, and hopefully, there will be a clear picture of who is responsible for the tragic death. The survivors will need the support of other family and friends, and would benefit from the services of a qualified wrongful death lawyer like those at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh.

Our wrongful death attorneys work with grieving families across Western New York to ensure that the person, or persons, whose careless actions led to a loved one’s death is held responsible. If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, we can help. We draw on years of combined experience handling wrongful death proceedings to build a compelling case and get the compensation you need to provide for your family.

What Is Covered in Potential Settlements?

Providing for your loved ones’ future is just one financial obligation following an accidental death, and any settlement must address several additional needs. After a fatal auto accident, for instance, you can make a claim for the following:

• Medical expenses – You or others in your family may have sustained non-fatal injuries, and the fatally injured victim may have received treatment after the accident, resulting in charges for the hospital, doctor, ambulance and more. Any settlement must cover medical expenses, now and in the future. Establishing the cost of existing and future medical care is a big part of preparing a solid lawsuit.
• Emotional and mental distress – You and your family have suffered more than physical harm and your lawsuit should request compensation for the emotional toll of your loved one’s death. This may show up in you and your loved ones as depression, anxiety or apprehension.
• Loss of wages and future earnings – Your claim should include loss of wages for anyone missed work due to the accident, or suffered a disabling injury that prevents returning to work, or to the same work. Your wrongful death lawyer will talk to your family and coworkers, and use expert testimony to establish your loved one’s income, calculate future earnings, and determine what the loss of that income means for you and the other surviving family members.
• Property damage and loss – A serious auto accident has additional costs, such as car repair or replacement, damage or loss of to personal property like car seats, cell phones, clothing, and other items with you at the time of the accident.

You need a wrongful death lawyer by your side to ensure you get the settlement you and your family deserve. Our legal team at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh will build a convincing case, so you don’t have to accept the insurance companies’ quick, cheap settlements. Call us and to make an appointment today.