Losing a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness can take a devastating toll on surviving family and friends. Our compassionate Niagara Falls wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable. We can help your family recover substantial compensation for your loss. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can alleviate significant financial hardship and provide a measure of justice.
Richmond Vona is Here to Help
Our top-rated wrongful death lawyers in Niagara Falls are compassionate and aggressive advocates for grieving families with decades of combined personal injury experience. When you choose Richmond Vona, you will have a dedicated team of three to four professionals carefully selected for your case. They will provide personalized legal support and open, honest communication. We want you to feel comfortable contacting us anytime, knowing we will always be there for you.
Our results-oriented approach has yielded over $175 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We think outside the box, use advanced technology to secure top results, and pride ourselves on going above and beyond for every client. We have won numerous awards for our hard work and unwavering commitment to our clients, including:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Top 40 Under 40
As a Richmond Vona client, you will be our top priority. We will handle every aspect of your claim so you can avoid the stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork while focusing on your family, coping with your loss, and figuring out how to move forward during this difficult time.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
There is no upfront cost to work with one of our skilled Niagara Falls personal injury lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation through your claim. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
Available Compensation in Niagara Falls Wrongful Death Cases
Damages in a wrongful death claim in New York may include economic damages and punitive damages. Economic damages are awarded to compensate you for your family’s financial losses, such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Your loved one’s probable lifetime income had they survived
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of estate value
- Loss of business opportunities
Punitive damages are also available when the defendant’s conduct was intentional, outrageous, or grossly negligent. For example, they may be available if a drunk driver caused your loved one’s death. These damages are awarded not to provide compensation but to punish defendants and deter others from similar conduct.
Although most states allow families to recover non-economic damages for their own emotional losses, such damages are not available in New York wrongful death claims. However, you may be able to recover non-economic damages in a survival action brought concurrently and seeking damages the deceased could have recovered had they survived. This includes compensation for your loved one’s conscious pain and suffering.
How Are Wrongful Death Damages Calculated?
Every wrongful death claim is different. Available damages are based on the unique factors of your case, such as:
- Your loved one’s age and life expectancy at the time of death
- Your loved one’s earnings
- Your loved one’s anticipated future contributions to the value of the estate
- Your loved one’s business activities
- Whether your loved one experienced pain due to their fatal injuries
- The conduct of the defendant leading up to the accident
Our experienced Niagara Falls wrongful death attorneys will perform a full investigation into the incident that caused your loved one’s death and seek full and fair compensation on behalf of you and your family. We are committed to helping you achieve the best result possible.
What is Considered Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of someone else’s “wrongful act, neglect or default.” Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls
- Construction accidents
- Asbestos exposure
- Falling objects
- Negligent security
- Homicides
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Words cannot describe how grateful my wife and I are of John Richmond. His friendliness, knowledge, loyalty and professionalism are of the highest level. Being this was the first time we’ve had to obtain legal assistance, John made this process very easy for my wife and I. We both would highly recommend Richmond Vona.
What a phenomenal experience to come from a terrifying accident. From day 1 Richmond/Vona provided me with nothing but comfort and professionalism. Communication is paramount in my needs and they performed that with nothing short of exceptional. Mr. Richmond made me feel like this was the only case he was working on. Thank you to all of your staff for looking out for my best interests and taking a stressful situation and making it so very easy for me and my family.
My experience with Keith Vona was exceptional. To this day, I am grateful for the dedication and compassion he displayed throughout my case. The outcome of my case was successful as a result of his drive and commitment. I would highly recommend Keith Vona to anyone in need of legal representation.
When To File a Wrongful Death Claim
The wrongful death statute of limitations in New York is two years from the date of death. While two years may seem like a long time, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
You will need strong evidence to recover the compensation you deserve in a wrongful death claim, and this evidence may only be available for a short time. We will also need time to develop a strong case ahead of filing.
Filing a lawsuit may be the last thing you want to deal with as you grieve the loss of your loved one. However, reaching out sooner than later is the best way to protect your right to compensation.
Our Niagara Falls Wrongful Death Attorneys Are Here for You
Trust the Team at Richmond Vona
If your loved one was killed due to someone else’s carelessness, your family deserves justice, accountability, and compensation. Our skilled and compassionate Niagara Falls wrongful death attorneys understand that you are likely experiencing one of the most difficult times in your life.
We treat every client with empathy and dignity. You can count on us to take time to get to know you, explain everything about your case, and fight aggressively to recover the full compensation you are entitled to under the law. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 to schedule your free consultation.
