Schedule a free consultation with a Long Beach, NY wrongful death lawyer trusted by clients since 1978.
If you have lost a family member due to another party’s negligence in Long Beach, an attorney can help your family pursue financial recovery and hold the responsible party accountable. Our Long Beach, NY wrongful death lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to you or your family. Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP has represented families in fatal negligence cases since 1978. The firm brings more than 75 years of combined legal experience to these claims.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Long Beach, NY
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone dies as a direct result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In New York, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can bring this action. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the distributees, which typically include a surviving spouse, children, or parents.
The circumstances behind these claims vary widely. A fatal collision on a Long Beach roadway, a medical malpractice error at a local hospital, a fall on a dangerously maintained property, or a defective consumer product can all give rise to a wrongful death case. The common thread is that someone failed in a duty of care, and a person died because of it.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Long Beach
Wrongful death claims can arise from nearly any situation where negligence or misconduct leads to a fatal outcome. At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP, we have handled wrongful death cases involving the following types of incidents across Long Beach and Nassau County.
- Car accidents. Fatal motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of wrongful death claims in New York. According to NHTSA crash data, over 39,000 people died in traffic collisions across the country in 2024 alone. We investigate the collision, gather police reports and witness testimony, and pursue full compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurer.
- Truck accidents. Collisions with commercial trucks often prove fatal because of the massive size differential between trucks and passenger vehicles. Our wrongful death attorneys in Long Beach identify all liable parties, which can include the driver, the trucking company, and maintenance contractors.
- Medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, and delayed treatment can all lead to a patient’s death. These cases require a detailed review of medical records and consultation with qualified professionals to establish that the standard of care was breached.
- Construction accidents. Falls from scaffolding, crane incidents, and falling objects are among the most common causes of fatal workplace injuries. According to OSHA workplace statistics, thousands of workers die on the job every year in the United States. New York labor law imposes specific safety obligations on property owners and general contractors at construction sites.
- Pedestrian accidents. Long Beach’s streets and crosswalks present genuine hazards for pedestrians, particularly along busy corridors. When a driver strikes and kills a pedestrian, the surviving family has the right to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
- Product liability. A defective product that causes a fatal injury can give rise to claims against the manufacturer, the distributor, or the retailer. These cases often involve complex engineering analysis and regulatory review.
- Nursing home abuse. Families who lose a loved one in a nursing facility due to neglect, abuse, malnutrition, untreated bedsores, or medication errors may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility and its operators.
Why Choose Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP as My Wrongful Death Lawyer in Long Beach, NY?
Proven Results and Decades of Wrongful Death Litigation
Martin Schiowitz co-founded Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP in 1978 and has practiced personal injury and wrongful death law in New York since 1973. Over more than 50 years, he has secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for families across New York. He is a peer-selected Super Lawyer, a distinction reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in his field, and a longstanding member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
Jeremy Schiowitz has represented injury victims across New York City and Long Island for over 16 years. He argued a landmark appellate case that changed train platform accident liability law in New York. Jeremy has been named a Super Lawyer every year from 2014 through 2025 and was recognized among the Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey.
Together, the firm has recovered over $200 million for clients across all practice areas. We serve as your personal injury lawyer in Long Beach, NY on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery for you.
What Is Important to Understand About a Wrongful Death Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases
Damages in a New York wrongful death case are designed to compensate the surviving family members for the financial losses caused by the death. Under New York’s Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, the following categories of damages are available:
- Lost financial support. The income and financial contributions the decedent would have provided over their expected lifetime.
- Loss of parental guidance. Compensation for surviving children who lost a parent’s guidance, nurturing, and care.
- Medical expenses. Costs of medical care incurred between the injury and the death.
- Funeral and burial costs. Reasonable expenses for the decedent’s funeral.
- Pain and suffering of the decedent. Through a separate survival action, the estate can seek damages for any conscious pain and suffering the decedent endured before death.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving particularly egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be recoverable.
Liability depends on proving that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, that the defendant breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the death. New York applies a comparative negligence standard, which means that even if the decedent bore some responsibility for the incident, the family’s recovery is reduced proportionally rather than eliminated.
What Are Important Aspects of a Wrongful Death Case?
Several factors shape the strength and outcome of a wrongful death claim in Long Beach. Addressing them early in the process can make a significant difference in the final result.
- Who can file? Only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can bring the wrongful death action. This person is appointed by the Surrogate’s Court.
- Identifying all liable parties. Many wrongful death cases involve multiple defendants. A fatal car accident, for instance, could involve a negligent driver, a vehicle manufacturer, and a municipality responsible for road conditions.
- Preserving evidence. Physical evidence, surveillance footage, medical records, and witness testimony all degrade over time. An early investigation is critical.
- The statute of limitations. New York imposes a two-year deadline from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under EPTL § 5-4.1. Missing this deadline almost always means the claim is permanently barred.
What Is the Wrongful Death Case Timeline?
Wrongful death litigation in New York can take anywhere from several months to a few years. The length depends on the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, and whether it settles or proceeds to trial. Below is a general overview of the process.
- Investigation and case evaluation. We review medical records, police reports, and other relevant documentation to assess liability and the value of the claim.
- Filing the complaint. Once the investigation is complete, we file the wrongful death action in the appropriate court.
- Discovery. Both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and engage any necessary professionals. This phase often lasts several months.
- Settlement negotiations. A substantial number of wrongful death cases resolve through settlement negotiations before trial, especially where liability is clear and the damages are substantial.
- Trial. If the parties cannot reach a fair settlement, we prepare the case for trial and present it before a jury.
What Should You Bring to Your Wrongful Death Consultation?
Having relevant documentation ready before your first meeting with a wrongful death attorney in Long Beach, NY can help us evaluate your claim more efficiently.
- The death certificate
- Police or incident reports related to the fatal event
- Medical records and billing statements from the decedent’s final treatment
- Insurance policy information for the decedent or at-fault party
- Proof of the decedent’s income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employment records
During the consultation, we will review the facts, explain your legal options, and outline the steps involved in pursuing a claim. There is no charge for this initial meeting.
What Are Important New York Legal Resources for Wrongful Death Cases?
New York law establishes specific rules governing wrongful death claims, including who may file, what damages are recoverable, and the deadline for bringing an action. The following resources can help you find relevant statutes and information.
- The New York State Legislature publishes the full text of the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, including the provisions governing wrongful death damages and the two-year statute of limitations for filing.
- The CDC Injury Center provides national statistics on fatal injuries categorized by cause, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and workplace incidents.
- NHTSA traffic data provides access to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which tracks motor vehicle crash deaths nationwide.
- OSHA safety information provides resources on worker rights, workplace safety standards, and how to report unsafe conditions.
- The New York Courts website provides wrongful death petition forms, filing instructions, and Surrogate’s Court procedures.
Reach Out to Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP to Schedule a Consultation
If your family has been affected by a wrongful death in Long Beach, NY, our attorneys are prepared to review your case at no cost. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, which means you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We are available to arrange a meeting at a time that works for your family.
