When a loved one dies due to someone else's negligence, the grief and pain are immense. But the legal process that follows can also be complex, especially when more than one party is involved. In cases where multiple individuals or entities share responsibility, a experienced wrongful death lawyer in New York can help families navigate these challenges.

Here’s how a wrongful death attorney handles multi-party liability claims:

1. Investigating the Incident

The first step is conducting a thorough investigation of the accident or event that led to the wrongful death. Lawyers work closely with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly how the incident occurred. In multi-party cases, identifying the role each party played is crucial.

2. Identifying All Responsible Parties

In some wrongful death cases, more than one individual or organization may share liability. For example, in a construction accident, responsibility could fall on the property owner, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or even safety inspectors. A wrongful death lawyer ensures that all liable parties are identified to maximize compensation for the family.

3. Establishing Liability

Once potential defendants are identified, the attorney must establish how each party's actions or negligence contributed to the death. In multi-party liability claims, this may involve proving varying degrees of fault, which can be legally complex. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that each party is held accountable based on their percentage of fault.

4. Negotiating Settlements or Litigating in Court

After determining the roles of all liable parties, the attorney may negotiate settlements with multiple defendants. In some cases, insurers and legal representatives from different parties may offer compensation. If settlements aren’t possible, a skilled lawyer will take the case to court to fight for justice.

5. Pursuing Maximum Compensation

A wrongful death attorney's goal is to secure the best possible outcome for the family. This includes seeking damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship from all liable parties.

By handling the legal intricacies of multi-party claims, a New York wrongful death lawyer ensures that families can focus on healing while obtaining the justice and compensation they deserve.