Filing a lawsuit may seem like too much to deal with after losing a loved one. However, when someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused a close family member’s passing, you have a right to seek accountability from those responsible. Trantolo & Trantolo’s Brookhaven wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate legal support and vigorous advocacy to secure the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
For over 85 years, our firm has represented Long Island injury victims and their families. We have the resources, reputation, and experience to navigate complex wrongful death cases for the best possible outcome. Reach out today for a free consultation with a compassionate personal injury attorney in Brookhaven, NY.
Seeking Justice After a Loved One’s Passing Due to Negligence
A wrongful death claim can result from many types of accidents. Our Long Island personal injury lawyers represent wrongful death cases caused by:
- Car accidents: Approximately 681 traffic fatalities occurred in New York state in 2025, 110 on Long Island alone. Many accidents are due to negligence, such as speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
- Pedestrian accidents: Distracted, drunk, or inattentive drivers can hit people on foot, causing significant and sometimes fatal damage.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents. Approximately 6,228 motorcycle riders passed away due to traffic collisions in 2024, making up approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities in the US.
- Truck accidents: Commercial trucks traveling on heavily congested roads like Sunrise Highway can cause devastating collisions when drivers are fatigued, distracted, or unable to stop in time. Because of their massive size and force, truck accidents often leave occupants of smaller passenger vehicles with catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Bicycle accidents: Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 546 bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists have suffered fatal injuries in accidents in Suffolk County. This rate is higher than any other county in New York State during the same time period.
- Nursing home abuse: Elderly and disabled nursing home residents can suffer serious harm when staff or medical providers are neglectful or abusive.
- Product defects and dangerous drugs: Manufacturers who fail to meet safety standards and legal requirements can harm consumers, sometimes fatally.
- Dog bites: Dog owners and custodians are typically liable for injuries and associated damages caused by their animal, per New York State laws and Town of Brookhaven, NY Codes.
- Slip and fall incidents: Slips, trips, and falls are a major source of injury and death, especially in individuals over 65. A property owner who fails to maintain a safe premises can be liable for resulting accidents, injuries, and losses.
- Construction accidents: When construction sites fail to take appropriate precautions, workers can suffer the consequences, including severe and fatal injuries. In 2024, 149 construction and extraction workers passed away on the job in New York State, accounting for 68% of all work-related fatalities.
Wrongful death cases often involve aggressive insurance companies, disputed liability, and substantial financial losses. Trantolo & Trantolo has the experience, resources, and courtroom preparation to take on complex claims throughout Brookhaven and Long Island.
Hiring a Qualified Attorney for a Wrongful Death Claim in Brookhaven, NY
Wrongful death cases are complicated and highly emotional, so it helps to have steadfast, experienced legal guidance. Our attorneys will support you throughout the legal process and defend your family’s rights while you take the time you need to grieve.
Our Client-First Commitment
When you work with Trantolo & Trantolo, you receive full-service legal assistance targeted to your specific needs. We assign a legal team to manage your case from beginning to end. They will:
- Provide frequent, detailed updates
- Remain available 24/7 to answer your questions
- Handle all communication related to your case
Your assigned team compiles evidence to show how the responsible party’s negligence caused your loved one’s untimely passing. Such evidence may include witness statements, expert testimony, medical records, police reports, and photos and videos of the fatal incident.
With this information, they can present a compelling case to the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. If we cannot achieve a settlement outside the courtroom, our attorneys are always prepared to take your case to trial, as needed.
Securing Comprehensive Legal Guidance with No Upfront Costs
During your initial consultation, a member of our team reviews your case information and explains the legal process. We are here to answer your questions and help you determine the best way forward for your situation.
If you hire us, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront retainers or fees for our assistance. Our wrongful death lawyers only recover attorneys’ fees and costs related to your case if we get compensation for your claim. If we don’t win, you owe nothing for our services.
We know this is a lot to handle on your own, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call our firm now to get started with a free and confidential consultation.
Recovering Damages Through a Brookhaven, NY Wrongful Death Claim
No amount of compensation can undo the loss of a loved one. However, a wrongful death claim can help protect your family’s financial future and hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we work tirelessly to identify all the losses you could recover. New York EPT § 5-4.3 allows the decedent’s personal representative to seek losses such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the victim’s final injuries and treatment
- Loss of income and future financial support
- Loss of benefits and household contributions
- Loss of parental guidance and support
- Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death
Wrongful death claims often involve substantial financial and emotional losses that affect families for years to come. Our legal team works with financial experts, medical professionals, and other specialists when necessary to fully calculate the damages tied to your case and pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.
Our Case Results
For more than 85 years, Trantolo & Trantolo has built a winning tradition of standing up for injury victims and grieving families. Our wrongful death attorneys serving Long Island have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements through skilled negotiation and courtroom advocacy.
Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim in New York State
New York EPT § 5-4.1 makes the decedent’s personal representative responsible for legal action on behalf of the estate. This includes wrongful death claims. The personal representative is usually the executor of the decedent’s will. If necessary, a judge may appoint an administrator to manage the wrongful death claim.
Although the claim must be brought by a personal representative, it’s important to have a legal team to represent your interests. Trantolo & Trantolo helps you navigate legal complexities and defends your rights throughout the process.
Filing Deadlines for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In New York state, the personal representative generally has two years to file a wrongful death suit. The deadline can be sooner for certain cases, so immediate legal attention is critical. If you fail to file on time, the court may reject your case. Reach out to Trantolo & Trantolo as soon as possible to avoid missing crucial legal deadlines.
Distributing a Wrongful Death Settlement or Award in New York
Upon a final resolution of a wrongful death claim, the settlement or award goes to the decedent’s estate. The estate’s personal representative will distribute the proceeds based on their allotted portion of damages suffered. A judge will usually review this settlement to ensure fairness.
Under EPT § 4-1.1, distribution is generally granted to the following parties, in order:
- Surviving spouse
- Surviving children
- Surviving parents, if no surviving spouse or children
- Surviving siblings, if no surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Surviving grandparents, if no surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings
- Surviving great-grandchildren of the decedent’s grandparents, if no other qualified parties remain
Distribution is complicated, but our wrongful death team knows how to navigate the legal process on your behalf. You can trust us to do what it takes to secure the best possible outcome.
Standing Beside Your Family After a Tragic Loss
After a fatal accident, families are often left searching for answers while dealing with emotional and financial hardships. Trantolo & Trantolo helps grieving families pursue accountability and financial recovery after preventable deaths caused by negligence. Our Brookhaven wrongful death attorneys are prepared to guide you through every stage of the legal process while fighting for the strongest outcome possible on your family’s behalf. Call us now to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if the Person Responsible Denies Fault?
It is common for individuals, companies, and insurance providers to deny responsibility after a fatal accident, especially when significant damages are involved. Even if the at-fault party disputes liability, you can still pursue a wrongful death claim.
Trantolo & Trantolo will investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gather evidence, consult with experts when necessary, and build a case designed to prove negligence and accountability. Our attorneys are prepared to stand up to insurance companies and fight for the compensation your family deserves, whether through settlement negotiations or in court.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim in Brookhaven, NY?
Although you do not have to hire a lawyer for a wrongful death claim in Brookhaven, NY, it’s often in your interests to do so. Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements, so it’s a good idea to have an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. Trantolo & Trantolo’s Long Island wrongful death lawyers will handle all the negotiations and communications related to your case, so you and your family can take time to grieve.
Do All Wrongful Death Cases Go To Trial?
No. Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial. However, insurance companies are often more willing to offer fair compensation when they know your legal team is fully prepared to present the case in court. Trantolo & Trantolo thoroughly prepares every wrongful death case as if it will go to trial, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength while remaining ready to advocate for your family before a judge and jury when necessary.
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