Wrongful Death

At Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, our Syracuse wrongful death attorneys have represented countless families who have lost loved ones through the negligence of others. When a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence or wrong-doing, the surviving family members are entitled to compensation for their financial and other losses. If the loved one suffered before he died, the surviving family members are also entitled to recover compensation for the pain and suffering he or she endured before death. We have recovered millions of dollars to compensate family members whose loved one suffered a wrongful death for financial losses, pain and suffering and more. Please contact us and speak to an experienced attorney who can help you recover for your losses. Find out more below.

At Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, our wrongful death attorneys serving Syracuse area families have built comprehensive wrongful death claims that cover everything our courts allow the dependents and surviving family members to recover, including medical expenses, lost income, pension, and the medical insurance that was provided by your lost loved one. But we go further. The surviving family members also have a right to claim loss of companionship, emotional support and parental guidance. These non-financial losses are often more significant than any financial losses you experience when a loved one suffers a wrongful death. In addition to the “wrongful death” claim itself, the family can bring a claim for compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased endured before he died. This is known in the legal world as a claim for “conscious pain and suffering”. We work hard to claim all these losses in every wrongful death claim we file. Our attorneys welcome the opportunity to talk with bereaved families about their rights and options. Please contact us to find out more.

The most common legal basis for a wrongful death suit is negligence. When we take in a wrongful death case, our Syracuse wrongful death lawyers have to prove that the defendant (the person or entity sued) negligently caused your family member's death. We must generally show four things: (1) The defendant had a duty to the deceased. For example, a car driver has a duty to stop at a stop sign. (2) The defendant breached that duty. For example, he did not stop at the stop sign. (3) The death resulted from the breach of duty. For example, the decedent’s head hit the steering wheel and caused an internal hemorrhage leading to death. (4) The family members suffered some economic loss because of the loved one’s death. For example, the decedent was a working man or woman who supported a family which has lost that support.

Unfortunately, New York is one of the few states that does not allow families of wrongful death victims compensation for their “grief”, that is, the emotional suffering. The wrongful death lawyers of Michaels Bersani Kalabanka have, with other lawyers, for years lobbied the New York legislature to change this harsh and unfair rule. One day, we hope to see New York families find full justice, which must include grief compensation, when their loved ones are killed through the negligence or wrongdoing of others.

In most cases, a wrongful death suit must be brought to suit within 2 years of the death of the loved one. The “conscious pain and suffering” claim must usually be brought within 3 years (for ordinary negligence against a non-governmental person or entity). Many exceptions apply. Contact us now to find out more.

That’s impossible. If we decide to represent you, we will charge you on a contingency fee basis, which is usually 1/3 of the net recovery we obtain for you, whether from a settlement or from a jury. Since the initial consultation is free, why wait? So contact us today for a free consultation.

The Syracuse wrongful death lawyers of Michaels Bersani Kalabanka have recovered millions of dollars for families of victims of wrongful death and for other injuries to cover their medical bills, lost earnings, and more. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights and maximize your compensation.