Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in New York City
We’ve ranked the top wrongful death lawyers in New York City.
INDEPENDENT RANKING OF BEST WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS IN NEW YORK CITY
2025
01
What people are saying: #PrecisionLitigation #SevenFigureVerdicts #WhiteGloveService
Known for meticulous trial preparation and a deep bench of highly rated partners, Queller Fisher combines financial‑district polish with a track record of seven and eight figure wrongful‑death results, including a $5.05 million jury verdict in a mass‑transit fatality and a $4.5 million recovery for contaminated‑blood transfusion. High‑net‑worth families value the firm’s concierge‑style client service and its ability to mobilize seasoned medical experts quickly.
02
What people are saying: #ConstructionDeathExperts #ResourceRich #RecordSettlements
This 50‑lawyer plaintiffs’ powerhouse leverages decades of construction‑site and medical‑malpractice litigation to secure multi‑million settlements while maintaining the resources to litigate against multinational defendants. Clients praise WRSMH’s large in‑house investigative team and readiness to fund complex accident reconstructions from day one.
03
What people are saying: #ToxicExposureLeaders #BillionDollarRecoveries #ConciergeAdvocacy
Belluck’s boutique trial squads concentrate on high‑stakes toxic‑exposure, nursing‑home, and medical‑malpractice deaths, having recovered over $1 billion for grieving families. The firm’s downtown office pairs discreet, white‑glove client handling with aggressive discovery tactics that frequently produce rapid, premium‑value settlements.
04
What people are saying: #MedicalMalpractice #InnerCircleAdvocates #HistoricVerdicts
Led by Inner‑Circle legends Judith Livingston and Thomas Moore, KDLM is synonymous with record‑setting medical‑malpractice and wrongful‑death verdicts, routinely posting eight‑figure results and maintaining one of the city’s highest per‑lawyer recovery averages. Sophisticated plaintiffs choose KDLM for its courtroom firepower and its unrivaled network of specialist physician witnesses.
05
What people are saying: #RecordBreakingVerdicts #ConstructionFatalityFocus #RelentlessTrialTeam
No NYC firm has logged more $1‑million‑plus results since 2012 than Block O’Toole. The practice’s surgical focus on construction and transit fatalities brings courtroom credibility that often moves insurers to settle on premium terms.
06
What people are saying: #PartnerLedCare #UrbanAccidentSpecialists #ConsistentResults
A mid‑sized Lexington Avenue firm prized for direct partner access, Friedman Levy blends compassionate client handling with vigorous litigation, particularly in vehicle‑collision and premises‑liability deaths. Repeat seven‑figure outcomes and a reputation for out‑working defense counsel make it a strong choice for families wanting boutique attention without sacrificing resources.
07
What people are saying: #CivilRightsChampions #GenerationalTrialSkill #HighStakesLit
Family‑run for three generations, Kelner & Kelner is celebrated for civil‑rights and construction‑related wrongful‑death cases, recently securing a $9 million settlement for a window‑washer who fell 13 stories. The lean firm’s hands‑on, trial‑ready ethos appeals to clients who want seasoned courtroom lawyers handling every phase.
08
What people are saying: #MassTortResources #MunicipalLiabilityMasters #FirstResponderAdvocacy
Best known for representing 9/11 responders, SPBMC channels that large‑scale‑litigation expertise into complex wrongful‑death suits ranging from medical error to firefighter fatalities. With extensive in‑house resources and a reputation for taking municipal defendants to verdict, the firm offers institutional heft few boutiques can match.
09
What people are saying: #AggressiveNegotiators #WallStreetBased
Wall‑Street‑based Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum markets 24/7 partner accessibility and decades of wrongful‑death advocacy, blending aggressive negotiation tactics with trial‑tested strategies in vehicular, premises, and violent‑incident deaths. High‑end clients value the firm’s swift file‑opening process and its willingness to invest early in forensic experts.
10
What people are saying: #MultiStateReach #MediaSavvyLitigation #RapidCaseAssessment
Operating from a Midtown hub, this multistate practice deploys a sizable litigation war chest to wrongful‑death matters, emphasizing rapid case assessment and contingency‑fee flexibility. Its cross‑border reach and marketing savvy attract clients seeking both sophisticated representation and broad media‑relations support during high‑profile cases.
What to Look for When Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney in New York City
The purpose of the Top Wrongful Death Attorneys rankings is to help bereaved families locate legal representation that best fits their unique circumstances. Given the painful nature of these claims and the many variables involved in choosing suitable counsel, Top Wrongful Death Attorneys offers a thorough resource to guide your selection.
Why do I need a Wrongful Death Attorney in New York City?
A dedicated wrongful death attorney in New York City brings vital expertise through the intricate legal system specific to New York State and the five boroughs. They understand the unique challenges of navigating Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island courts. With more than 8 million residents and countless daily visitors, NYC presents singular complexities in pedestrian incidents, construction accidents, and public transportation cases. Their local knowledge and connections with forensic specialists, economic experts, and medical consultants can be decisive in pursuing maximum compensation.
What to look for when hiring a wrongful death attorney in NYC?
Finding appropriate legal counsel in New York City requires careful evaluation of expertise, experience, and alignment with your family's objectives. Consider these critical elements before selecting a NYC wrongful death lawyer.
Define Your Primary Goals
Successful wrongful death representation starts with clarifying your family's priorities. When interviewing attorneys, articulate what outcomes matter most. Are you pursuing full compensation for economic losses? Do you seek justice through public accountability? Is reaching a private settlement preferable to court proceedings? Are you dealing with a motor vehicle crash on the FDR Drive or a subway accident? Does your case involve medical negligence at a NYC hospital?
These considerations will help match you with an attorney whose strengths correspond to your situation. NYC attorneys often specialize in specific types of wrongful death claims. Our detailed profiles highlight the particular expertise of Manhattan's leading practitioners to assist you in finding the right advocate.
Arrange Initial Meetings
Set up preliminary conferences with potential wrongful death lawyers to gauge their command of New York State's wrongful death laws and determine whether they display the sensitivity and commitment your case warrants. Don't hesitate to interview multiple attorneys before deciding.
Ask pointed questions during these sessions: How many wrongful death cases have you handled in New York courts? What is your familiarity with the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law? How do you handle cases involving multiple defendants? What is your success rate in Queens County Supreme Court? How do you stay updated on changing case law?
Their responses will reveal whether they possess the depth of knowledge needed to navigate New York's complex legal landscape.
Assess Their Support System
Leading New York City wrongful death attorneys provide comprehensive assistance beyond basic legal services. This might include referrals to grief therapy specialists, help with estate administration, coordination with life insurance carriers, and access to financial planners who understand wrongful death settlements.
Look for an attorney who recognizes the emotional toll of loss while maintaining focused determination in pursuing your claim. The most successful NYC practitioners combine compassionate client care with relentless advocacy.
Review Their Resources and Connections
A wrongful death attorney's professional network within NYC can significantly impact your case's outcome. Evaluate their access to industry specialists such as biomechanical engineers for construction incidents, traffic safety experts for roadway accidents, or medical authorities for cases involving negligence at NYC medical facilities.
Inquire about their firm's capacity to handle extensive discovery demands and whether they have the means to take on large entities like the MTA, hospitals, or real estate developers that frequently appear as defendants in NYC wrongful death claims.
Examine Their Local Experience
New York City's five boroughs each have unique legal characteristics and court cultures. An effective wrongful death attorney should demonstrate knowledge of venue-specific practices and have experience appearing before local judges who handle these cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island Supreme Courts.
Consider their familiarity with high-traffic corridors like the Cross Bronx Expressway or the Belt Parkway, and whether they understand the unique dangers presented by NYC's dense urban environment.
Essential Takeaways for Choosing a NYC Wrongful Death Attorney
Securing a skilled New York City wrongful death attorney requires evaluating their local expertise, resources, and alignment with your family's needs. The right advocate will offer both vigorous legal representation and genuine empathy for your circumstances. Whether you need assistance with settlement negotiations or trial proceedings, selecting an attorney familiar with NYC's courts and legal landscape will strengthen your pursuit of justice. Our compilation of New York City's top wrongful death attorneys provides a starting point for finding the right counsel during this difficult period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, we do accept paid sponsors. We do not accept pay-for-ranking placements, and specific rankings are not offered for sale. Our paid sponsors are credible legal professionals who pay for inclusion on our site based on web traffic and leads. We maintain complete editorial independence in our evaluations.
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In New York, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. Some exceptions may apply for cases involving medical malpractice or exposure to toxins. Missing this deadline could bar you from pursuing compensation, so consult an attorney promptly.
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Under New York law, only the personal representative of the deceased's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is typically the executor named in the will or an administrator appointed by the court if there's no will. Family members must work through this representative.
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New York allows recovery for economic losses like medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost future earnings. The state also permits compensation for the loss of parental guidance for minor children and the value of household services the deceased would have provided. Unlike some states, New York has limitations on pain and suffering damages in wrongful death cases.
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While the laws are the same statewide, court procedures and jury pools vary between boroughs. Manhattan juries may have different perspectives from those in Queens or Staten Island. An experienced NYC attorney will understand these local nuances and forum preferences.
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Your attorney will help gather crucial evidence including police reports (for accidents), medical records, witness statements, employment records for income calculations, and expert testimony. In NYC, video surveillance from buildings, traffic cameras, and subway systems can be critical evidence.
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Timeline varies significantly based on case complexity. Simple cases might settle in 6-12 months, while complicated litigation involving multiple parties or disputed liability could take 2-3 years. Your attorney's experience with NYC courts affects case timeline.
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Both can be effective. Large firms may have more resources for complex cases involving major corporations, while boutique practices often provide more personalized attention. Focus on the specific attorney's experience with wrongful death cases and their success rate.
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NYC's density creates unique pedestrian dangers. Cases might involve distracted drivers, cyclists, e-bikes, or construction zones. Your attorney should understand NYC-specific factors like Vision Zero initiatives and local traffic laws that affect liability.
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New York follows comparative fault principles. When multiple parties share responsibility, damages are allocated proportionally. Experienced NYC attorneys know how to identify all potential defendants, including the city itself in cases involving dangerous conditions.
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Yes, but special rules apply. Claims against the city must be filed within 90 days of the incident through a Notice of Claim. New York's sovereign immunity laws provide some protections to government entities, making these cases complex and requiring specialized legal expertise.
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Your attorney will manage all insurance communications. NYC cases often involve multiple insurance policies, including auto, premises liability, and umbrella coverage. Never sign documents or accept settlements from insurers without legal consultation, as this could limit your recovery options.