Wrongful Death FAQ's
Serving Buffalo, New York
What is “wrongful death”?
A wrongful death is any fatality that has resulted from the negligence of another party. Wrongful deaths have an enormous emotional and financial impact on family members, so lawsuits must be filed to compensate the family for their enormous loss, at least financially.
What if the death was an accident?
Many times wrongful deaths are caused unintentionally. However, if a person failed to exercise reasonable prudence in preventing danger and the situation resulted in the death of someone else, he or she acted negligently and can be sued for damages.
What is the difference between wrongful death and murder?
Murder and wrongful death are different for several reasons.
- When someone is charged with murder, the case is tried in criminal court and the defendant may be sentenced to jail time. However, wrongful death suits are tried in civil court and damages are awarded to the families if the defendant is found at fault. No jail time or other criminal punishment can be handed down in civil cases.
- Murder is usually intentional, whereas wrongful death is usually not consciously intentional; but it may result from carelessness or recklessness.
What damages can be awarded in wrongful death cases?
The surviving family members can sue for the cost of funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost wages, loss of services and guidance, pain and suffering.
How can I prove wrongful death if the death took place in a medical setting?
Although these cases can be difficult to prove, evidence to support a wrongful death case that was the result of medical malpractice can be found during a thorough investigation. The wrongful death attorneys of John Feroleto Attorneys at Law can oversee the investigation for you, hire experts to examine medical records and conduct witness interviews to find the necessary evidence.
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one in the Niagara, Buffalo, New York state due to the negligence of another party, our wrongful death attorneys can help you through this difficult time. We can listen to the details of your case and determine the best course of legal action. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. No recovery, no fee..
1220 Liberty Building | 424 Main St. | Buffalo, NY 14202 | (716) 854-0700
