A wrongful death cause of action is a tort which is remedied by the courts with payment of damages almost exclusively in the form of money. The intention of the guilty party’s payment to the decedent’s distributees is to right the wrong sustained.  The Estate Powers and Trust Law (EPTL), Article 5, Part 4, EPTL 213-217, is New York’s wrongful death statute.  Click here to view a summary of the statute. 

A 40 year old woman lost her life as a result of an explosion on April 24, 2009, leaving behind three children and a husband.  The explosion occurred because of a gas leak that was not promptly tended to by Con-Edison.  Con-Ed failed to timely fix the leak or evacuate the woman from her home; and as a result of their negligence the woman’s house exploded, killing her.

In a record settlement, the family’s claim settled for $12,400,000, one of the largest amounts recovered for this cause of action in New York State history.

Here is a picture of the house as it existed after the explosion.

If you lost a loved one due to the negligence or carelessness of another, call the Ginarte Law Firm today at 1-888-GINARTE, or visit our website at www.Ginarte.com.  You and your loved ones may be entitled to money for your loss. We have 25 experienced Attorneys with over 150 years of combined experience ready to work for you!