Manhattan Wrongful Death Lawyer
No verdict can restore a life. What the law can do is provide accountability — and security for the family left behind.
The Glassman Law Group represents Manhattan clients in wrongful death matters. Adam Glassman is a trial lawyer, a former New York State Administrative Law Judge of fifteen years, and a former trial attorney for a major insurance carrier. You work directly with the attorney handling your case.
Wrongful Death cases in Manhattan
A wrongful death action is brought by the personal representative of the estate, not by family members in their own names (EPTL 5-4.1). When the person who died lived in Manhattan, the representative is generally appointed by the Surrogate’s Court, New York County. The action generally must be started within two years of the death.
A lawsuit over a death in Manhattan can be brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, whose civil courthouse is at 60 Centre Street, Manhattan. New York’s venue rules generally place a case in the county where one of the parties lives or where a substantial part of the events took place (CPLR 503(a)), so choosing the county is one of the first decisions in a case.
Many Manhattan claims involve a public body: the City of New York, the New York City Transit Authority, the New York City Housing Authority, or NYC Health + Hospitals. A claim against any of them generally requires a notice of claim within 90 days, and the lawsuit generally must be started within one year and 90 days — far sooner than the three years that apply to most negligence claims. A suit against the City is generally heard in the county where the claim arose (CPLR 504(3)).
What We Handle
- Fatal accidents and premises disasters
- Medical malpractice resulting in death
- Construction and workplace fatalities
- Estate and Surrogate’s Court coordination
- Pecuniary loss and conscious pain and suffering claims
The Law, Explained
Common Questions
Usually in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, at 60 Centre Street, Manhattan, if a party lives in Manhattan or the events took place there. Claims against the State are heard in the Court of Claims.
No. The firm’s offices are in Lloyd Harbor and Lynbrook, on Long Island. The firm represents clients throughout New York City and Long Island, including Manhattan, and a first conversation can take place by phone.
Yes. An administrator can be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court. We guide the family through that step as part of the case.
The family members entitled to it under New York law, as approved by the court. We explain how that works in your family’s circumstances.
Deaths following medical care may involve malpractice. Those cases require review of the records by physicians; we arrange that review and give the family a candid assessment.
This page is general information about New York law, not legal advice about your situation. The deadlines described are strict and often short, and they can be shorter or longer in particular circumstances. Rules can change and depend on the facts; call the office to discuss your matter.
From the blog
Wrongful Death — Other Areas Served
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