Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County
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 Suffolk County, the representative is generally appointed by the Surrogate’s Court, Suffolk County. The action generally must be started within two years of the death.
A lawsuit over a death in Suffolk County can be brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Suffolk County, whose civil courthouse is at 1 Court Street, Riverhead. 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.
A claim against Suffolk County itself, or against a town, village, or school district within it, generally requires a notice of claim within 90 days (General Municipal Law § 50-e), and the lawsuit generally must be started within one year and 90 days (General Municipal Law § 50-i) — far sooner than the three years that apply to most negligence claims. A suit against the county or one of its towns, villages, or school districts is generally heard in Suffolk County (CPLR 504).
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, Suffolk County, at 1 Court Street, Riverhead, if a party lives in Suffolk County or the events took place there. Claims against the State are heard in the Court of Claims.
Yes. The firm’s Lloyd Harbor office is at 12 East Huxley Drive, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743, in Suffolk County.
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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