Bronx Wrongful Death Lawyer

The death of a family member because of another person’s carelessness is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. Beyond the profound emotional loss, families must suddenly face mounting expenses, complex legal procedures, and insurance companies eager to settle quickly and cheaply.

At Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our experienced Bronx personal injury lawyer team stands with families during their darkest moments. Chrissy Grigoropoulos and our legal team have spent years securing justice for families whose lives were forever changed by preventable accidents. We handle the investigations, negotiations, and courtroom battles while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

Our doors are always open, day or night, and our staff can speak English, Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, or Korean. You don’t have to pay anything unless we win, because you shouldn’t have to worry about money right now.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us carry the legal weight so you can begin to heal.

Lost a Loved One in the Bronx? We’re Here to Fight for Your Family

When someone else’s negligence takes the life of your loved one, the pain is unbearable. The medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income create financial stress on top of your grief. At Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of Bronx families navigate this devastating time.

We aren’t just your lawyers; we’re also your advocates, fighting hard to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Chrissy Grigoropoulos has made a name for herself by taking on insurance companies and securing justice for families who have lost everything. Our Bronx wrongful death lawyers are available 24/7 and can speak Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean because grief doesn’t wait for business hours.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. That’s our promise to you: no upfront costs, no hidden fees, just fierce advocacy when you need it most.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, call us now for your free consultation. We’re here to help you seek justice and rebuild.

What Is Wrongful Death Under New York Law?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. New York’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their financial losses when a preventable death occurs. This legal claim is separate from any criminal charges the at-fault party might face.

The main difference between wrongful death and survival actions is vital to your case. A wrongful death claim pays your family for the money they lost because of your death, such as lost wages, funeral costs, and the support your loved one gave you.

A survival action seeks damages that your loved one could have claimed if they had lived, such as their pain and suffering before they died.

Every day situations that lead to wrongful death cases in the Bronx include:

Motor vehicle accidents:

Drunk drivers, distracted driving, and speeding on highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway result in fatal car accidents.

Medical malpractice:

Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and medication mistakes at Bronx hospitals.

Construction site accidents:

Falls from scaffolding, equipment failures, and unsafe working conditions.

Premises liability:

Slip and falls, inadequate security, and dangerous property conditions.

Product liability:

Defective medical devices, dangerous drugs, and faulty consumer products.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in the Bronx?

Only the personal representative of your loved one’s estate has the legal authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This person is either named as the executor in your loved one’s will or appointed by the Bronx County Surrogate’s Court as the administrator.

The personal representative files the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members who have suffered losses.

If your loved one died without a will, you’ll need to petition the Surrogate’s Court to be appointed as the administrator. This process involves filing paperwork and may require a court hearing. Once appointed, you’ll receive Letters of Administration that give you the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

The beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim typically include:

• Spouse: The surviving husband or wife of the deceased.
• Children: Both minor and adult children, including adopted children.
• Parents: When there is no surviving spouse or children.
• Other dependents: In some cases, other family members were financially dependent on the deceased.

Our wrongful death attorney in the Bronx will guide you through the estate process and ensure all proper procedures are followed. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your family during this difficult time.

What Damages Are Available in a New York Wrongful Death Case?

Families can get money back for the financial losses they suffered because of the death of a loved one in New York. The court considers your situation to determine what constitutes “fair and just compensation.” These damages will help you feel safe about your future, even though no amount of money can bring back your loved one.

Type of Damages	What’s Covered
Medical Expenses	All treatment costs related to the fatal injury
Funeral and Burial Costs	Reasonable expenses for services and burial
Lost Earnings	Income your loved one would have earned
Lost Benefits	Health insurance, pension, retirement benefits
Loss of Inheritance	Money your loved one would have left you
Loss of Services	Household duties, childcare, maintenance
Loss of Support	Financial support and guidance, especially for children

Conscious pain and suffering:

If your loved one survived for any time after the accident, you can also file a survival action to recover damages for their pain and suffering before death.

Punitive damages:

In cases involving extremely reckless or intentional conduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.

The amount of compensation varies significantly based on factors like your loved one’s age, earning capacity, health, and the financial dependency of survivors. Our team works with economists and economic experts to calculate the full value of your loss and fight for maximum compensation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and missing it means you lose your right to seek compensation forever. The clock starts ticking from the date of death, not the date of the accident that caused the death.

Important exceptions to the two-year rule:

Government entities:

Claims against New York City, the MTA, or other government agencies require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of death and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

Criminal cases:

If criminal charges are filed against the responsible party, you have one year from the end of the criminal case to file your civil lawsuit.

Medical malpractice:

Special rules may apply depending on when the malpractice was discovered.

Evidence disappears quickly after a fatal accident. Witnesses move away, surveillance footage gets deleted, and accident scenes change. The sooner you contact a Bronx wrongful death lawyer, the better chance we have to preserve crucial evidence and build a strong case for your family.

Don’t let insurance companies delay your case past the deadline. Contact Grigor Law  today to protect your rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Fatal Accident?

Anyone whose negligence contributed to your loved one’s death can be held legally responsible. In many cases, multiple parties share fault for a fatal accident. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial because it affects the total compensation available to your family.

Common defendants in Bronx wrongful death cases include:

Individual drivers:

Those who cause fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents through negligence.

Employers:

Companies can be liable for their employees’ actions or for creating dangerous working conditions.

Property owners:

Landlords, store owners, and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for dangerous conditions.

Medical providers:

Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and nursing homes for malpractice.

Manufacturers:

Companies that produce defective products that cause fatal injuries.

Government entities:

New York City has dangerous road conditions, and the MTA has a high rate of transit accidents.

Vicarious liability: 

Vicarious liability holds employers responsible for their employees’ actions during work hours. For example, if a delivery driver causes a fatal accident while working, both the driver and the company can be sued.

Our investigation team identifies all responsible parties and their insurance coverage to maximize your family’s recovery. We don’t let anyone escape accountability for their role in your loved one’s death.

Can You Still Recover if Your Loved One Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, you can still recover compensation even if your loved one contributed to the accident that caused their death. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery is reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault, but you’re not completely barred from compensation.

If the total damages in your case are $1 million and your loved one is found 20% at fault, your family would recover $800,000. Even if your loved one was 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of the damages.

Adjusters will try to place as much blame as possible on your loved one to reduce their payout. They might claim your loved one was speeding, not paying attention, or violating safety rules. These tactics are designed to minimize their financial responsibility.

Our Bronx fatal accident lawyers know how to fight back against unfair blame. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to present the true facts of what happened. We won’t let insurance companies unfairly shift responsibility to protect their bottom line.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in the Bronx

Fatal accidents occur in countless ways throughout the Bronx, but certain types of incidents happen more frequently than others. Understanding these common causes helps families recognize when they may have a valid wrongful death claim.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of wrongful death. Busy thoroughfares like the Grand Concourse and the Cross Bronx Expressway see frequent fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.

Construction Accidents

Fatal construction accidents are prevalent due to the ongoing development in the borough. Workers face dangers from falls, falling objects, equipment malfunctions, and electrocution, with specific construction accident laws protecting their families.

Medical Malpractice

Preventable deaths resulting from medical malpractice occur at Bronx hospitals and medical facilities. Emergency room errors, surgical mistakes, and medication errors can claim lives that proper care could have saved.

Premises Liability Incidents

Premises liability incidents occur when dangerous property conditions result in fatal accidents. Inadequate security, slip and falls, and building code violations can all result in successful wrongful death claims against property owners.

Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect tragically affects vulnerable elderly residents. Inadequate medical care, abuse, and general neglect in these facilities can lead directly to preventable deaths.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Your Case?

Winning a wrongful death case requires proving that the defendant’s negligence more likely than not caused your loved one’s death. This standard is called preponderance of the evidence, meaning your version of events must be more believable than the defendant’s version.

Official and Medical Records

Crucial evidence includes Official reports, such as police accident reports, OSHA investigations, and the coroner’s official findings. We also secure all necessary Medical records, including all treatment documentation and the official cause-of-death determination.

Witness Accounts and Physical Proof

We gather Witness testimony from people who saw the accident or know relevant facts. We also secure Physical evidence, which can include vehicle damage, defective products, or documentation of dangerous property conditions. When available, we obtain Video footage from surveillance cameras, dashcams, or cell phone recordings of the incident.

Expert Analysis and Financial Documentation

To build a strong case, we rely on Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and safety professionals. Furthermore, we compile Financial documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records, to accurately establish your loved one’s earning capacity and the full financial loss to your family.

Time is critical for evidence preservation. Surveillance footage gets deleted, accident scenes change, and witnesses forget details. Our investigation team acts immediately to secure evidence before it disappears forever.

 

Steps to Take After a Fatal Accident

The period immediately following a loved one’s death is overwhelming, but taking the right steps protects your legal rights and strengthens any potential wrongful death claim.

Obtain the Death Certificate and Autopsy Report

Request multiple certified copies of the death certificate from the New York City Department of Health. If an autopsy was performed, obtain a copy of the autopsy report, which may contain crucial information about the cause and manner of death.

Preserve All Documentation

Keep all paperwork related to your loved one’s death, including medical records, hospital bills, funeral receipts, and insurance company letters. These papers will be essential for determining the extent of the damage in your case.

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies will contact you quickly after the accident, often while you’re still grieving. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to get information they can use to deny or minimize your claim. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.

Contact a Bronx Wrongful Death Attorney

The sooner you contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer in the Bronx, the better your chances of building a strong case. We can immediately begin preserving evidence, handling insurance companies, and guiding you through the legal process.

Don’t navigate this alone. Call Grigor Law for immediate help with your wrongful death case.

How Grigor Law Fights for Bronx Families

When you choose Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, you are getting a team that treats your family like our own. We understand the pain you are experiencing, and we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Immediate and Thorough Investigation

We act fast to launch an Immediate investigation, working to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and secure expert analysis before crucial information is lost.

Legal and Financial Preparation

We provide essential guidance for Estate administration, helping you navigate the Surrogate’s Court process to establish the legal authority necessary to pursue the claim. We meticulously handle all Insurance negotiations, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize payouts.

Expert Collaboration and Trial Readiness

We utilize Expert collaboration, working with accident reconstruction specialists, economists, and medical professionals to build the strongest possible case. We handle all trial preparation; if insurance companies will not offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to a Bronx jury.

Chrissy Grigoropoulos has earned recognition as one of the top personal injury attorneys in New York, and our reputation for courtroom excellence ensures we secure better settlements for our clients.

 

Why Choose Our Bronx Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one changes everything, and you need lawyers who understand both the legal complexities and the emotional toll of your situation. At Grigor Law, we combine aggressive advocacy with genuine compassion to help families through their darkest hours.

Commitment and Availability

We are different because we are dedicated to meeting your needs. We are available 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours. To meet the needs of the diverse Bronx community, our team offers services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Greek, French Creole, and Korean.

We make sure everyone can get justice without paying anything up front. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay anything until we win your case.

Also, our local knowledge of the Bronx courts, judges, and legal procedures helps us manage cases effectively, and our Proven results show that we have helped grieving families recover millions of dollars.

Client Testimonials

Clients often attest to our dedication, saying, “Chrissy and her team were incredible during the worst time of our lives. They handled everything with professionalism and care, and got us a settlement that will help our children’s future.”

Another stated, “I didn’t know where to turn after my husband’s accident. Grigor Law took over everything and fought for us when we couldn’t fight for ourselves.”

Contact a Bronx Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

You don’t have to go through this terrible loss by yourself. Our Bronx wrongful death lawyers are here to help you with the legal and emotional issues you’re facing right now.

We offer free, private consultations where we listen to your story, review your legal options, and help you decide what to do next. There is no pressure or obligation to provide honest answers from lawyers who care about your family’s future.

We are available 24/7 for emergencies and offer home and hospital visits when you cannot come to us. You have already lost so much. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your grief or deny you the compensation your family deserves.

Call Grigor Law now. Hablamos español. Μιλάμε ελληνικά. We are here to fight for your family’s future.

FAQ: Your Bronx Wrongful Death Questions Answered

Do We Need to Open an Estate Before Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Yes, you must be appointed as the personal representative by the Bronx County Surrogate’s Court before filing a wrongful death claim. This gives you the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate and surviving family members.

What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Survival Actions?

Wrongful death claims compensate surviving family members for their losses, while survival actions recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived, including their pain and suffering before death.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds Distributed?

Settlement proceeds are distributed according to New York intestacy law, typically to the spouse and children equally, or to parents if there’s no spouse or children, though the average personal injury settlement in New York varies significantly based on case specifics.

What If the Accident Involved New York City or the MTA?

Claims against government entities require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of death and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days, much shorter than the usual two-year deadline for seeking damages you can claim after a motor vehicle accident in the Bronx.

Does Immigration Status Affect Our Ability to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

No, immigration status does not prevent families from filing wrongful death claims or recovering compensation under New York law.