Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Long Island, NY

The loss of a loved one changes a family’s life immediately. For Long Island households, that loss may bring funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, lost income, lost benefits, mortgage pressure, childcare concerns, and the absence of the everyday support your loved one provided.

A Wrongful Death attorney helps your family deal with the legal and financial consequences of the loss while protecting your rights from the start. This includes investigating what happened, identifying the parties responsible, gathering evidence, handling insurance communication, and pursuing the compensation available under New York law. At The Selvin Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers take on the legal work so your family can focus on grieving, caring for one another, and making informed decisions.

Our attorneys review medical records, police reports, accident reports, employment information, insurance documents, witness statements, and other evidence that may help prove what occurred. In Long Island cases involving highway crashes, hospital treatment, unsafe homes or businesses, construction projects, nursing facilities, or workplace incidents, we tailor the investigation to the specific facts of the case.

Damages in a New York wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial costs, medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, lost income and financial support, loss of parental guidance for surviving children, and the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before passing. Every Long Island family’s loss is different, and our attorneys take the time to understand how the death has affected your household, your finances, and your future.

Why Families in Long Island Trust The Selvin Law Firm for Wrongful Death Cases

Choosing a wrongful death attorney is a major decision for any grieving family. Long Island families need a legal team that can provide compassionate support while also preparing a strong claim against negligent drivers, medical providers, landlords, property owners, contractors, employers, corporations, insurance carriers, or any other party responsible for the fatal harm. The Selvin Law Firm has spent more than three decades representing injured clients and grieving families across New York.

✔ Over 30 years of personal injury experience — Our attorneys have decades of experience handling serious injury and fatal accident cases throughout Long Island, Queens, and New York City.
✔ A proven track record — With a 92% case win rate, our firm has consistently delivered results for the families and clients we represent.
✔ Personalized attention to every family — We take time to understand how the death has affected your Long Island household, including your financial needs, family responsibilities, and long-term concerns.
✔ Clear, consistent communication — Our team explains the process, keeps you informed, and answers your questions as your case moves forward.
✔ No upfront cost to you — We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

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

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in Long Island?

Under New York law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This person may be named in a will or appointed by the Surrogate’s Court. The personal representative files the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members who suffered financial losses because of the death.

The people who may benefit from a wrongful death claim often include the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, and, in certain cases, other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support. A family member may still be entitled to compensation through the claim even if they are not the person legally authorized to file it.

For Long Island families, estate questions, beneficiary concerns, court requirements, and filing deadlines can feel overwhelming during a time of grief. The wrongful death attorneys at The Selvin Law Firm help determine who may file, explain who may benefit, and work to ensure the claim is prepared correctly and on time under New York law.

What Is the Success Rate of Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Long Island?

The outcome of a wrongful death lawsuit depends on the specific facts and evidence involved. Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, insurance coverage, employment documentation, the conduct of the negligent party, and the willingness of the opposing side to negotiate can all influence how the claim develops.

No attorney can ethically guarantee a particular settlement or verdict. However, wrongful death cases supported by strong evidence and experienced legal counsel often lead to meaningful compensation for surviving families. Some claims resolve through settlement negotiations, while others require litigation when the responsible parties refuse to offer fair accountability.

At The Selvin Law Firm, our attorneys prepare Long Island wrongful death cases carefully from the beginning. We investigate thoroughly, consult qualified experts when appropriate, and build each claim as though it may need to be presented in court. That preparation can strengthen your family’s position during negotiations and, if necessary, before a jury.

How Much Do Wrongful Death Attorneys in Long Island Charge?

The cost of legal representation is a common concern after a wrongful death. Many Long Island families are already facing funeral expenses, final medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about how to move forward without a loved one’s support. The Selvin Law Firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront retainer, no hourly billing, and no out-of-pocket legal cost to begin.

With a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney’s fee is taken from a percentage of the compensation recovered for your family. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing. This structure gives families the ability to pursue accountability without adding legal bills during an already painful and financially difficult time.

During your free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers, we will explain how fees work, answer your questions about legal costs, and make sure your family understands the arrangement before deciding whether to move forward.

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

Your wrongful death lawyer needs complete information to protect your family’s claim. Some relatives may feel unsure about sharing difficult details, but withholding facts can make it harder for your attorney to prepare. Attorney-client communications are confidential, and your lawyer’s role is to advocate for your family’s interests.

When your attorney understands the full picture, they can prepare for arguments that may come from insurance companies, defense attorneys, drivers, medical providers, property owners, contractors, employers, corporations, or other opposing parties. If a fact could be used to challenge the claim later, your legal team should know about it early so they can respond strategically.

What Long Island families should avoid is discussing the death with insurance adjusters, opposing parties, or on social media before getting legal advice. Insurance companies may contact relatives soon after a fatal incident and ask questions designed to limit responsibility or reduce the value of the claim. Before giving a statement, signing documents, or discussing what happened, speak with a wrongful death attorney who can help protect your rights and your family’s interests.

New York's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations — Why Timing Is Critical for Long Island Clients

In New York, a wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and it is strictly enforced. If the lawsuit is not filed on time, the family may lose the right to pursue compensation, even when the death was caused by serious negligence.

Although two years may sound like a long time, wrongful death cases often require extensive preparation. Attorneys may need to gather medical records, police reports, accident reports, surveillance footage, employment documents, witness statements, insurance information, and expert evaluations. In Long Island cases involving major roadways, hospitals, nursing facilities, commercial properties, job sites, or unsafe premises, important evidence can become harder to secure if action is delayed.

At The Selvin Law Firm, we encourage families to seek legal guidance as soon as they are able. Our wrongful death lawyers offer free consultations and can review the facts, explain the filing deadline, and help your family understand the next step.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process — What Long Island Families Can Expect

Understanding the wrongful death process can help your family feel more prepared during an uncertain and emotional time. While every case is different, the general stages often include:

✔ Initial consultation and case evaluation — Our wrongful death attorneys speak with your family about what happened, review available information, and assess whether a claim may be possible.
✔ Investigation and evidence gathering — We collect and review medical records, police reports, accident reports, witness statements, employment records, insurance documents, surveillance footage, and expert opinions when appropriate.
✔ Filing the wrongful death claim — The personal representative of the estate files the lawsuit within the time allowed under New York law.
✔ Negotiation with insurance companies and opposing parties — Our attorneys handle communication and settlement discussions while pursuing compensation that reflects the full impact of your family’s loss.
✔ Trial, if necessary — If the opposing side refuses to offer a fair settlement, our wrongful death lawyers are prepared to present your family’s case in court.

Throughout the process, The Selvin Law Firm keeps Long Island families informed, explains what to expect, and provides the guidance needed to make confident decisions about the case.

Schedule a Free Wrongful Death Consultation Today

Your family does not have to handle a wrongful death claim alone. If someone you love died because of another person’s negligence, the wrongful death attorneys at The Selvin Law Firm are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal 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 516-992-0805 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation. With offices in Seaford, Garden City, and Queens, The Selvin Law Firm serves families throughout Long Island, Queens, and New York City.