Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Long Island, Queens & New York City

Losing a loved one is devastating on its own. The financial consequences that follow — mounting medical bills from final treatment, funeral and burial costs, and the sudden loss of income your family depended on — can make an already unbearable situation feel impossible.

A wrongful death attorney does more than file legal paperwork. The right lawyer becomes your family's advocate during one of the most difficult chapters of your life. At The Selvin Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers handle every aspect of the legal process so that your family can grieve, heal, and begin to move forward.

Our attorneys investigate the full circumstances of your loved one's death, gather critical evidence, work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts, and build a case designed to maximize the compensation your family may be entitled to. We deal directly with insurance companies — who are often looking to minimize or deny claims — so you never have to.



The damages pursued in a New York wrongful death case may include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before the death, the loss of the deceased's expected income and financial support, loss of parental guidance and companionship for surviving children, and the pain and suffering the deceased experienced prior to passing. Every case is unique, and our attorneys work closely with each family to understand the full scope of their loss.

Why Families Across Long Island & NYC Trust The Selvin Law Firm for Wrongful Death Cases

Choosing a wrongful death attorney is one of the most important decisions a family can make. You need a legal team that combines deep experience, genuine compassion, and a relentless commitment to results. The Selvin Law Firm has built a reputation as a recognized leader in personal injury law across New York for more than three decades.

• Over 30 years of personal injury experience — Our attorneys have spent decades handling complex injury and death cases throughout Long Island, Queens, and New York City.
• A proven track record — With a 92% case win rate, our firm consistently delivers results for the families we represent.
• Personalized attention to every family — We treat every wrongful death case with the individual care it deserves, taking time to understand your family's needs and goals.
• Clear, consistent communication — You will always know where your case stands. Our team keeps you informed at every stage and is available to answer your questions.
• No upfront cost to you — We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

With three convenient office locations in Seaford, Garden City, and Queens, our wrongful death lawyers are accessible to families throughout the region.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in New York?

Under New York law, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This individual is typically named in the deceased's will or appointed by the Surrogate's Court. The personal representative brings the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members who have been financially affected by the death.

The individuals who may ultimately benefit from a wrongful death claim include the deceased's spouse, children, parents, and in some cases, other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support. Even if you are not the personal representative, you may still be a beneficiary of the claim.



Navigating the legal requirements around who has standing to file can be confusing, especially during a period of grief. Our wrongful death attorneys at The Selvin Law Firm guide families through this process, helping to identify the appropriate representative and ensuring that the claim is filed correctly and on time.

What Is the Success Rate of Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

The outcome of any wrongful death lawsuit depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. Factors such as the strength of the evidence, the degree of the defendant's negligence, the quality of legal representation, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate all play a role in determining the result.

While no attorney can ethically promise a specific outcome, wrongful death claims supported by strong evidence and experienced legal counsel often result in favorable settlements or verdicts for the surviving family. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiation before ever reaching trial, which can result in faster compensation for the family.



At The Selvin Law Firm, our attorneys bring decades of experience to every wrongful death case we handle. We conduct thorough investigations, retain qualified experts when necessary, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial — because that level of preparation often leads to stronger outcomes, whether a case settles or proceeds to court.New Paragraph

How Much Do Wrongful Death Attorneys Charge?

One of the most common concerns families have when considering a wrongful death claim is the cost of legal representation. The reality is that most wrongful death attorneys, including the lawyers at The Selvin Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means there is no upfront retainer, no hourly billing, and no out-of-pocket cost to get started.

With a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney's fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in your case. If no recovery is made, you owe nothing. This structure allows families to pursue justice without the added burden of legal expenses during an already financially difficult time.



During your free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers, we will explain exactly how fees work, answer any questions you have about costs, and make sure you feel fully informed before making any decisions.

What Not to Tell the Attorney — and Why Full Transparency Matters

If you are considering hiring a wrongful death attorney, you may have heard the advice to withhold certain details from your lawyer. In reality, the opposite is true. Your attorney is your advocate, and the attorney-client relationship is protected by strict confidentiality.

Being fully transparent with your wrongful death lawyer allows them to build the strongest possible case and prepare for any challenges that may arise. If there are facts that could be used against your case, your attorney needs to know about them in advance — not be caught off guard during negotiations or at trial.



What you should avoid, however, is discussing the details of your case with insurance adjusters, opposing parties, or on social media before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to contact you early on and use your statements to minimize or deny your claim. Before speaking with anyone, consult with a wrongful death attorney who can advise you on how to protect your rights and your family's interests.

New York's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations — Why Timing Is Critical

In New York, a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If a claim is not filed before the deadline passes, the family may lose the right to pursue compensation entirely — regardless of how strong the case may be.

Two years may seem like a significant amount of time, but wrongful death cases require extensive investigation, evidence collection, and legal preparation. The sooner your family consults with a wrongful death attorney, the more time your legal team has to build a compelling case and preserve critical evidence that could deteriorate or disappear over time.



At The Selvin Law Firm, we encourage families to reach out as early as possible. Our wrongful death lawyers offer free consultations and can quickly evaluate your situation to determine the best path forward.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process — What Families Can Expect

Understanding the legal process can bring a sense of clarity during an overwhelming time. While every wrongful death case is different, the general stages of a claim typically include:

Initial consultation and case evaluation — Our wrongful death attorneys meet with your family to learn about the circumstances of your loved one's death, review available evidence, and assess the viability of a claim.

Investigation and evidence gathering — We conduct a thorough investigation, which may include reviewing medical records, police and accident reports, witness statements, employment records, and expert analysis.

Filing the wrongful death claim — The personal representative of the estate formally files the lawsuit within the statute of limitations window.

Negotiation with insurance companies and opposing parties — Our attorneys handle all communication and negotiation, working to reach a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your family's loss.



Trial, if necessary — If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our wrongful death lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court and present your family's case before a jury.

Throughout every stage, The Selvin Law Firm keeps your family informed, answers your questions, and provides the guidance you need to make confident decisions about your case.

Schedule a Free Wrongful Death Consultation Today

Your family does not have to navigate this alone. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, the wrongful death attorneys at The Selvin Law Firm are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.



We offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis — so there is no financial risk to your family. Call us at 516-992-0805 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Our offices in Seaford, Garden City, and Queens are available to serve families throughout Long Island, Queens, and New York City.