When a person dies because of another party’s careless or reckless actions, the law recognizes the injustice and allows surviving family members to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. But not all fatal incidents are the same, and understanding the common causes of wrongful death in New York can help grieving families recognize when they have a legal claim.
At Cellino Law, our seasoned wrongful death attorneys represent families across New York in a wide range of fatal injury cases, from auto accidents to hospital negligence. We know the patterns. We know the legal standards. And we know how to build strong, evidence-driven claims that hold the right people accountable.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Leading Cause of Wrongful Death in NY
New York’s congested streets and highways see hundreds of fatal crashes every year. These include:
- Passenger vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian incidents and bicycle fatalities
- Drunk and impaired driving accidents
- Distracted driving or texting while driving
- Reckless driving or excessive speeding
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable, with little to protect them from a fatal impact. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash that leads to death, Cellino Law’s wrongful death lawyers can help surviving family members recover for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of parental or spousal support.
Legal Insight: In New York, a wrongful death claim can be filed even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges. The civil case is separate and can proceed regardless of any criminal trial outcome.
Medical Malpractice: When Doctors Make Fatal Errors
Medical professionals are expected to uphold a standard of care. When they fall short, the consequences can be tragic. Wrongful death due to medical malpractice may arise from:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Failure to monitor a patient’s condition
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Medication or dosage errors
- Birth-related injuries that result in death
Wrongful death lawsuits involving hospitals or healthcare providers often require extensive documentation, expert medical opinions, and legal experience with malpractice litigation.
Cellino Law’s wrongful death attorneys have handled these high-stakes cases across New York and partner with trusted medical experts to prove how the provider’s error directly led to the patient’s death.
Workplace Accidents: When Employers and Contractors Fail to Protect
New York’s construction sites, warehouses, industrial plants, and transit operations are dangerous places, and workplace fatalities are an unfortunate reality. These cases may involve:
- Falls from height (scaffolding, ladders)
- Electrocution or machinery accidents
- Crane or forklift incidents
- Lack of protective equipment
- Failure to follow OSHA or NY Labor Law safety standards
In some cases, a workers’ compensation death benefit may be available. But when a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, was responsible, a wrongful death lawsuit may be pursued in addition to any workers’ comp claim.
Our personal injury lawyers at Cellino Law help families pursue all available avenues for recovery in fatal workplace accident cases.
Premises Liability: Fatalities on Unsafe Property
Property owners in New York have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. When they fail in that duty and someone dies as a result, they may be liable for wrongful death under premises liability law.
Common fatal premises scenarios include:
- Slip and fall injuries that result in head trauma
- Elevator or escalator malfunctions
- Structural collapses
- Fire or smoke inhalation due to code violations
- Negligent security leading to fatal assaults
- Drowning in unsecured swimming pools
Premises liability wrongful death claims often require proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act. Cellino Law’s wrongful death lawyers use property records, surveillance footage, inspection reports, and witness testimony to build strong liability arguments.
Other Common Wrongful Death Scenarios in NY
While auto, medical, workplace, and premises cases make up the majority of claims, other wrongful death causes include:
- Defective product accidents (e.g., unsafe vehicles, faulty medical devices)
- Train or subway fatalities
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Acts of violence, including negligent security cases
- Drowning in public or private waters
Each type of case involves different rules of evidence, liability standards, and potential defendants. That’s why working with an experienced wrongful death attorney is critical from the start.
How Cellino Law’s Wrongful Death Lawyers Help Families in NY
Wrongful death litigation is emotionally and legally complex. Families often face not just grief, but also financial instability, medical debt, and uncertainty about what comes next. At Cellino Law, we provide:
- Comprehensive legal guidance from the moment you call
- Accident investigation and expert witness coordination
- Claims management with insurance providers and at-fault parties
- Representation in Surrogate’s Court for estate administration
- Strategic litigation and negotiation to recover maximum damages
With over $2 billion recovered for injured and bereaved New Yorkers, we bring the experience and determination it takes to win.
Talk to a New York Wrongful Death Attorney at Cellino Law
If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, whether on the road, in a hospital, on the job, or on unsafe property, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Call Cellino Law today for a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. We’ll explain your rights, assess your case, and help your family move forward with confidence.
Wrongful death? Call Cellino.