New York City's densely populated urban environment and complex network of industries, roadways, and public spaces tragically give rise to wrongful death cases each year, with grieving families seeking compassionate yet tenacious legal representation to hold negligent individuals, corporations, and institutions accountable and recover the financial damages and closure that justice demands following the devastating and irreplaceable loss of a loved one. The wrongful death lawyers featured here have been selected by the NewYorkLists Editorial Team based on customer reviews, professional credentials, verified client history, and demonstrated expertise serving New York City families. Listings are evaluated using real feedback from Google and Yelp, combined with editorial research and continuous market evaluation.
Last Updated on 2026-04-15 by
Scott Carlson, Business Listing Analyst
With more than 25 years of experience, the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel has built a strong presence in New York’s personal injury landscape. Serving clients across the five boroughs and Westchester, the firm handles a wide range of cases — from car and construction accidents to wrongful death claims. Known for securing substantial recoveries for injury victims and their families, the practice has earned recognition for its consistent results. The team’s focused approach and long-standing commitment to advocacy reflect a firm dedicated to protecting clients during some of their most challenging moments.
https://jknylaw.com/
- Motley Rice LLC is widely recognized as one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms, handling complex cases that often carry profound personal and public impact. From anti-terrorism and securities class actions to medical device claims and wrongful death matters, the firm brings significant trial experience across a broad legal spectrum. What distinguishes Motley Rice is its client-centered approach. The attorneys understand that many cases stem from life-altering events, and they prioritize steady guidance and long-term commitment. With the resources to pursue lengthy litigation, the firm remains dedicated to standing alongside clients through every stage of the process.
https://www.motleyrice.com/
- For more than three decades, Angiuli & Gentile, LLP has served the Staten Island community with steady, full-service legal support. The firm handles a broad mix of matters — including workers’ compensation, family law, and personal injury — giving clients the convenience of experienced guidance under one roof. Known locally for its long-standing presence and dependable counsel, the team combines practical knowledge with a client-focused approach. Their depth across multiple practice areas allows individuals and families to approach complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
https://www.aglawnyc.com/
- Since 1996, Lozner & Mastropietro has earned recognition as a strong advocate for injury victims in New York City. Based in Brooklyn’s landmark Lundy’s Building, the firm focuses on personal injury and malpractice cases, consistently pursuing the maximum recovery permitted by law. Over the years, its attorneys have secured millions in settlements and verdicts, reflecting a determined and trial-ready approach. Known for combining aggressive representation with professional discipline, the firm offers straightforward guidance and free consultations for those seeking experienced legal support after serious injuries.
https://www.lmlawnyc.com/
- Founded by seasoned personal injury attorney Vel Belushin, Belushin Law Firm P.C. focuses on advocating for New Yorkers harmed by negligence. The firm represents clients in matters ranging from car accidents and workplace injuries to medical malpractice and wrongful death claims. With a clear belief that victims deserve full and fair compensation, the team approaches each case with determination and client-centered attention. Known for its accessibility and 24/7 availability, the firm emphasizes responsive communication alongside strategic legal action, guiding clients through difficult circumstances with steady, focused representation.
https://www.nypersonalinjurylawyer.com/
- Located in Manhattan, the Scott R. Housenbold Law Firm focuses on representing individuals injured due to negligence. The firm handles a range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, slip and falls, nursing home injuries, and medical malpractice claims. With a results-driven approach, the team prioritizes pursuing the highest possible compensation for clients and their families. Known for steady guidance during difficult periods, the firm combines practical legal strategy with personal attention, helping clients move forward while navigating the complexities of the claims process.
https://housenboldlaw.com/
- Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C. located in New York City are Personal Injury Attornes Speclizes in Construction Accident, Wrongful Death, Vehicle Accidents, Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident, Slip & Fall, Medical Malpractice, Workers Compensation, Personal Injuries cases. at Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C., they’ve spent decades helping the hardworking and earnest people of New York City fight for justice in the face of sudden injuries or unfair treatment. They know that in a city of nine million, life for many of them can take an unexpected turn in the blink of an eye. When that happens, it’s important to have a source of support you can turn towards.
https://www.fightingforyou.com/
- Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a well-established personal injury law firm based in New York City, known for handling complex and high-stakes litigation. The firm represents clients in cases ranging from construction accidents and medical malpractice to wrongful death, product liability, and civil rights violations. Serving clients throughout New York City and surrounding counties—as well as parts of New Jersey—the firm is recognized for its comprehensive approach and courtroom experience. With a focus on serious injury and negligence claims, their attorneys provide detailed case preparation and determined advocacy for individuals seeking accountability and fair compensation.
https://www.gairgair.com/
- Hill & Moin LLP located in Manhattan are New York City Personal Injury Attorney. They have been proudly representing individuals for over 40 years in a wide range of Personal Injury cases, including traumatic brain injuries, truck and auto accidents and wrongful death suits. They represent clients in the areas of: premises liability; nursing and hospital related injuries; construction accidents; wrongful death claims; medical malpractice; transportation accidents, police brutality and other forms of serious personal injury.
https://hillmoin.com/
- Mirman, Markovits & Landau, PC are New York City based Personal Injury Attorney. They represent injury victims throughout New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, New York City, Manhattan, and Queens. Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C. is comprised of proven and passionate New York personal injury lawyers who bring decades of collective experience to their firm. Throughout the years, their attorneys have helped tens of thousands of victims and families after they were harmed by the negligence or wrongful conduct of others and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on their behalves.
https://mirmanlawyers.com/
- Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. located in New York City specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, construction accidents and wrongful death cases. The firm’s mission is to provide the best legal services possible to families who have suffered from the negligence of others. GLK has won more than $900 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients. Their lawyers focus on significant personal injury and medical malpractice cases. GLK handles cases throughout New York and New Jersey. Gersowitz and Korek are Past Presidents of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. The firm has received many professional accolades including being ranked by Best Lawyers® as one of the best law firms in the United States.
https://www.lawyertime.com/
- Kaplan Lawyers PC is a Manhattan-based personal injury firm representing clients across New York City, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens. The firm handles a wide range of serious injury matters, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and other negligence-related claims. Known for its client-first philosophy, Kaplan Lawyers PC makes accessibility a priority—meeting clients where they are when travel isn’t possible. Beyond legal representation, the firm positions itself as a steady source of support during difficult times. With a strong focus on maximizing compensation, their attorneys advocate firmly for those seeking accountability and financial recovery.
https://www.kaplanlawyers.com/
- Denis Davydov, founder of the Law Offices of Denis Davydov in Brooklyn, focuses on personal injury matters including car and truck accidents, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims. Serving clients throughout New York City, the firm has built a reputation for hands-on representation and determined advocacy. With nearly a decade of experience, Denis Davydov and his team have handled cases ranging from minor collisions to complex trucking accidents, recovering substantial compensation for injured clients. Operating on a contingency fee basis, the firm emphasizes accessibility and results—working to secure fair recovery while supporting hardworking New Yorkers through difficult circumstances.
https://davydovlaw.com/
- Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum is a Manhattan-based personal injury firm that has represented injured New Yorkers for more than four decades. The firm handles a broad range of matters, including car, truck, bicycle, and construction accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, workplace injuries, and wrongful death claims. Serving clients throughout New York City and surrounding counties, Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum has built its practice largely through word of mouth and long-standing client relationships. Known for attentive case handling and consistent results, the firm combines experience with personal service—continuing to advocate for individuals and families affected by negligence across the region.
https://www.rosenbaumnylaw.com/
- Hach & Rose, LLP is a New York City–based personal injury firm known for its strong record in high-stakes litigation. Focused on representing accident victims, the firm has secured numerous notable verdicts and settlements, including multiple top jury verdict rankings in New York and a record-setting construction accident verdict in 2012. With more than $400 million recovered as of 2019, Hach & Rose has demonstrated consistent courtroom success. The firm handles matters ranging from car accidents to medical malpractice, guiding clients through claims involving medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Their approach combines litigation experience with a clear commitment to protecting clients’ rights.
https://www.unionlawfirm.com/
- Michael S. Lamonsoff leads a Manhattan-based personal injury practice recognized for handling complex and high-value claims. The firm represents clients in matters involving car and motor vehicle accidents, construction injuries, premises liability, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, asbestos-related illness, sexual abuse, and wrongful death. With more than $500 million recovered for clients, the team has secured some of the largest settlements and verdicts in New York personal injury history. Known for assertive courtroom advocacy and thorough case preparation, Michael S. Lamonsoff and his team focus on pursuing maximum compensation for individuals and families facing serious injury and loss.
https://www.msllegal.com/
- Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP is a New York City personal injury firm representing clients in serious injury and wrongful death matters. The firm handles cases involving car and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability, and asbestos-related claims, including mesothelioma litigation. With a track record of recovering millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients, the attorneys focus on thorough case preparation and persistent advocacy. Known for a client-centered approach, Meirowitz & Wasserberg works closely with individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances, offering guidance and determined representation aimed at securing meaningful financial recovery.
https://www.samndan.com/
How NewYorkLists Selects the Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in New York City
Every Wrongful Death Lawyers on this list has been vetted by the NewYorkLists Editorial Team before being published. We combine independent research, public business data, and direct company submissions into a consistent review process so you can trust what you're looking at.
- Active business verification (the lawyer is currently practicing)
- Google and Yelp review checks for client and industry reputation
- New York State Bar licensure and disciplinary record checks where available
- Assessment of years in practice and wrongful death and civil litigation law experience
- Evaluation of practice capabilities including fatal accident and negligence claims, medical malpractice wrongful death cases, workplace fatality lawsuits, product liability death claims, and survivor and dependent compensation recovery
- Overall credibility within the New York City wrongful death law and personal injury market
Each Wrongful Death Lawyers listing includes customer reviews so you can dig deeper before making a decision. Our role is to ensure every business shown here meets a baseline of credibility — the reviews help you take it from there.
Wrongful death lawyers may submit their information for consideration. Every submission goes through the same vetting process above to ensure accuracy and quality within the New York City area.
Top Wrongful Death Lawyers in New York City: Quick Comparison
| Rank | Company | NewYorkLists Rating | Area of Service | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Motley Rice | 4.8 ⭐ | New York City | View Profile |
| #2 | Angiuli & Gentile LLP | 4.6 ⭐ | New York City | View Profile |
| #3 | Jay S. Knispel | 4.5 ⭐ | New York City | View Profile |
| #4 | Lozner & Mastropietro | 4.4 ⭐ | New York City | View Profile |
| #5 | Belushin Law Firm | 4.3 ⭐ | New York City | View Profile |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a wrongful death lawyer in New York City do and how do they help grieving families pursue justice?
A wrongful death lawyer in New York City represents surviving family members whose loved one died as a result of another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. They handle every aspect of the legal process — investigating the circumstances of the death, identifying all liable parties, calculating the full economic and emotional impact on the surviving family, and pursuing maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation. During an already devastating time, having a dedicated wrongful death lawyer in New York City means your family never has to deal directly with insurance companies or defense attorneys. Their sole focus is securing accountability and the financial justice your family deserves while you focus on healing.
2. Who is legally entitled to file a wrongful death claim in New York City?
In New York, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative or administrator of the deceased person's estate — typically a surviving spouse, parent, or adult child appointed through the court. The compensation recovered is then distributed to the deceased's distributees, which under New York law includes spouses, children, and parents who suffered financial losses as a result of the death. Siblings and extended family members may qualify in certain circumstances. A wrongful death lawyer in New York City will help the appropriate family member establish legal standing, navigate the estate administration process if necessary, and ensure the claim is filed correctly so that no eligible surviving family member is excluded from the recovery.
3. What types of cases do wrongful death lawyers in New York City most commonly handle?
Wrongful death lawyers in New York City handle cases arising from virtually any circumstance where negligence or misconduct caused a preventable death. The most common include fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, construction site fatalities, medical malpractice resulting in death, defective product failures, pedestrian and bicycle accident fatalities, workplace accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, premises liability incidents, and deaths caused by violent crime where civil liability applies. Each case type involves different liable parties, evidentiary requirements, and legal strategies. Regardless of how your loved one died, a wrongful death lawyer in New York City with experience across these case categories will identify the strongest legal path forward for your family.
4. What compensation can a wrongful death lawyer in New York City recover for surviving family members?
Wrongful death lawyers in New York City pursue two distinct categories of compensation on behalf of surviving families. The wrongful death claim itself covers the financial losses suffered by surviving distributees — including lost financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of parental guidance for surviving children, funeral and burial expenses, and the value of household services the deceased contributed. A separate survival action recovers damages the deceased experienced before death, including conscious pain and suffering, medical expenses incurred prior to passing, and lost earnings from the time of injury to death. Together, these two claims allow a New York City wrongful death lawyer to build a comprehensive compensation case that reflects the profound and lasting impact of your loss.
5. How does a wrongful death lawyer in New York City prove another party was responsible for the death?
Proving liability in a wrongful death case in New York City requires demonstrating that the defendant owed the deceased a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence or misconduct, and that breach directly caused the death. Wrongful death lawyers build this case through thorough investigation — obtaining autopsy reports, accident reconstruction analysis, medical records, surveillance footage, expert witness testimony, corporate safety records, and in some cases criminal investigation findings. Because evidence can deteriorate or disappear quickly after a fatal incident, retaining a wrongful death lawyer in New York City as soon as possible is critical. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to preserve crucial evidence and begin building an unassailable case before memories fade and records are lost.
6. How long do surviving families have to file a wrongful death claim in New York City?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased person's death. This is a strict deadline — missing it permanently extinguishes the family's right to pursue compensation regardless of how compelling the case is. Important exceptions can affect this timeline in New York City. If the death involved a government entity such as the MTA, a city vehicle, or a municipal facility, a Notice of Claim must be filed within just 90 days of the death. Cases involving medical malpractice as the cause of death follow the malpractice statute of limitations rather than the wrongful death timeline. A wrongful death lawyer in New York City will identify every applicable deadline immediately and protect your family's legal rights without delay.
7. How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in New York City and what should families expect?
Wrongful death lawyers in New York City handle these cases exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family pays absolutely nothing upfront to retain legal representation. Attorney fees are collected only as a percentage of the final settlement or court award — and if the case is not won, you owe nothing. This fee structure ensures that every family, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to experienced legal representation during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, court filing costs, and record retrieval are typically advanced by the law firm and reimbursed from the final recovery. When reviewing wrongful death lawyers on NewYorkLists.com, always confirm the contingency percentage and expense policy during your initial consultation.