New Bedford Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, angry, and uncertain about what comes next. The emotional impact of a sudden loss is difficult enough on its own. When that loss happened due to another’s conduct, those feelings can become even more difficult to process.
Although no legal action can undo your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim may provide closure, accountability, and financial support during a challenging time. A New Bedford wrongful death lawyer at Rob Levine Law can advise you of your options and advocate for the justice your family deserves. When you are ready, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and provide support.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
July 22, 2026
Table of Contents
- What Can a Lawyer Do After a Wrongful Death?
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Bedford?
- How Is Liability Determined in a Wrongful Death Claim?
- How Much Time Do You Have to File a New Bedford Wrongful Death Claim?
- What Types of Compensation May Be Available in Your Wrongful Death Claim?
- Rob Levine Law Is Here for You When You Are Ready
- Wrongful Death FAQs
What Can a New Bedford Wrongful Death Attorney Do for You and Your Family?
The weeks following a loved one’s passing often involve difficult decisions, unanswered questions, and significant emotional strain. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, Rob Levine Law can help guide your family through the legal process and shoulder the burden of the legal process.
Our wrongful death attorneys can investigate the incident, gather evidence, review accident reports, interview witnesses, and work to establish liability. We can also negotiate with the opposition and their insurers for a full settlement and take your case to trial, if necessary. Rob Levine Law has deep experience advocating for accident victims and their families. We’ve helped more than 50,000 people and recovered more than $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation.
Rather than dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal process on your own, you can focus on your family while your legal team handles all the details. With offices throughout Massachusetts and New England, remote and in-office meetings, the ability to travel when needed, and a commitment to price transparency, Rob Levine Law strives to make legal support accessible whenever you are ready to pursue accountability after a wrongful death.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Compassionate Legal Support That Eases Client Anxiety
Very helpful and able to answer questions. Very compassionate and willing. They helped calm my anxieties when they popped up and went above and beyond in their service. Would highly recommend.
Mary W.
Professional, Supportive, and Always There for You
My experience with Rob Levine Law has been wonderful. They truly care about you and your well-being. If you’re looking for lawyers to represent you, give Rob Levine Law a call. Thank you, Duane RLL! Very nice, was able to answer all my questions, and made me feel comfortable being represented by Rob Levine Law.
Walden F.
Compassionate Legal Assistance
Delaney Grune was very professional, helpful, friendly, and treated me with nothing but respect. She showed me she cared about me and my needs. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone I know who is in need of legal representation.
Evy R.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Bedford?
Massachusetts law has specific rules about who may bring a wrongful death claim. In most cases, the lawsuit must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. Any compensation recovered through a successful wrongful death claim will be distributed to the eligible beneficiaries, such as a surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin.
Determining who has the authority to file a personal injury lawsuit can sometimes be complicated, particularly if the victim had no will or an executor has not yet been appointed. A wrongful death attorney can help clarify these issues, explain the legal requirements, and guide your family through the steps necessary to pursue a claim.
How Is Liability Determined in a Wrongful Death Claim?
To establish liability in a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must present evidence showing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victims, breached that duty, and directly caused the fatal injury, leading to recoverable damages for the victim’s beneficiaries.
For instance, suppose a fatal collision occurs on Route 6 when a driver speeds through an intersection and crashes into another vehicle. The personal representative of the victim’s estate must gather the police report, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to establish that the at-fault driver failed to operate their vehicle safely. If the evidence shows that the driver’s conduct caused the victims’ fatal injuries, the driver may be held liable.
The same legal principles apply in other situations. A construction company that fails to provide fall protection equipment or a property owner who ignores dangerous conditions may also face liability if their actions contributed to a fatal accident. Every case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a New Bedford Wrongful Death Claim?
Under the Massachusetts statute of limitations, the estate generally has three years from the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are situations where the filing period may begin later. Under the discovery rule, the clock may start when the cause of death is or reasonably should have been discovered. This issue often arises when the circumstances surrounding a death are not immediately known.
Waiting too long can give rise to additional challenges. Evidence may disappear, documents may become more difficult to obtain, and witnesses may move away or forget important details. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent your family from pursuing compensation, regardless of the strength of the claim.
What Types of Compensation May Be Available in Your Wrongful Death Claim?
Massachusetts law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for both the financial hardships and deeply personal losses that can follow a wrongful death. Depending on the circumstances, several categories of damages may be available to help address the impact of the loss.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses. These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, and the loss of the deceased person’s reasonably expected income and future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the harder-to-quantify impacts. The estate can recover damages for the deceased’s conscious suffering before death. Compensation may also be available for mental anguish and the loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, and counsel provided by your loved one.
Punitive Damages
Massachusetts also specifically allows punitive damages in wrongful death claims when the death resulted from gross negligence or malicious, willful, wanton, or reckless conduct. These damages aim to punish serious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Rob Levine Law Is Here for You When You Are Ready
There is no right timeline for deciding what steps to take after losing a loved one. In the days and weeks that follow a tragic loss, your focus should be on your family and healing, not on navigating a complex legal process alone.
At Rob Levine Law, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that can follow an unexpected death. When you feel ready, our team can help you understand your legal options, answer your questions, and guide you through each stage of the wrongful death claims process. We are committed to providing compassionate support, maintaining strong ethical standards, and aggressively pursuing the accountability and compensation your family may deserve.
Win or no fee™ under our Fee Free Guarantee®. Therefore, families can seek legal guidance without worrying about upfront attorney fees. We offer 24/7 availability. Whenever you are ready to talk, call (888) 791-9135 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Wrongful Death FAQs
Do I Have to Be the Official Executor of the Estate to Talk to a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
No. Family members often contact an attorney before a court has granted authority to an executor or administrator. A New Bedford personal injury attorney can explain the process, determine who may be eligible to serve in that role, and help your family understand its legal options.
Can We Sue the City if an Unmarked Construction Zone in New Bedford Caused the Fatal Accident?
Potentially. Government entities may be liable when dangerous roadway conditions contribute to a fatal accident. However, claims against public entities often involve additional legal requirements and deadlines that differ from those in other wrongful death cases.
If the Person Who Caused the Death Goes to Jail, Can I Still Get a Settlement From Their Insurance?
Yes. A criminal case and a wrongful death claim are separate legal matters. Even if the responsible party faces criminal penalties, the estate may still pursue a civil lawsuit. If the at-fault party is insured, the estate may file a claim under that policy.
How Long Does a New Bedford Wrongful Death Lawsuit Usually Take to Settle?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and whether liability is at issue. Some claims resolve quickly through settlement negotiations, while others take longer because litigation is necessary to achieve a resolution.
Does a Wrongful Death Claim Change if the Death Resulted From Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice wrongful death claims often require additional evidence, including medical records and expert testimony. These cases can involve complex questions about the applicable standard of care and whether a healthcare provider’s actions contributed to the death.
Get Your Free Consultation Now
"*" indicates required fields
Notable Case Results
$130,000
Defendant made a wide turn on Narragansett Parkway in Warwick, turning to wide to avoid hitting the front of our clients vehicle. Client had a stiff neck and back after the accident however the pain continued resulting in months of treatment. The case could not be settled and our litigation team had to tackle the file to get a succesful result.
$125,000
Client was driving on 95 South in Warwick when they were rear ended by a defendant who did not slow down and hit our client going about 55 miles per hour. After months of physical therapy the client had an MRI that revealed small spinal fractures. This file was denied but our litigation team was able to get a settlement for the client.
$24,158
Client was rear ended. Allstate claimed low impact accident and denied any injuries. Our attorney filed suit and liltigated the file, proving injuries even with a low impact, winning the case for our client.
$37,810
Jefferson Blvd in Warwick, our client who was 7 months pregnant was side swipped by a truck. Client was rushed to Woman and Infants Hospital in Providence where client was monitored as she began contractions. She also was treated for body pain. Car was a total loss
$300,000
Client was driving on Route 5 in Warwick near the Lowe’s. Defendant was pulling out of a parking lot and hit our clients motorcycle. Our client was thrown from the bike, slamming his head on the ground. He was rushed to the hospital. Our office settled the claim for policy limit. We recovered $240,000 for the client and an additional $60,000 for a loss of consortium claim for the clients spouse.
$50,000
Client was in Dicks Sporting Goods in Warwick RI. Client was walking in an isle and fell on plastic wire straps that were in the isle. Was taken from the store to Kent Hospital via ambulance. Had to have rotator cuff surgery
$55,000
Client was walking his dog in Warwick. During the walk a pitbull named Xavier started fighting with our clients dog. Our client broke up the fight between the dogs. Rescue came to scene along with police. Client was treated and released. The next day an infection formed causing the client to be hospitalized for 6 days.
$50,881
Client residing in Warwick RI could not work due to Seizure, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder, Chronic Pain, Boderline Personality Disorder
$52,000
Client living in West Warwick suffering from headaches, PTSD, TBI, IBS and was a sexaul victim during his time of army service in the early 2000s. Our firm won 52,000 in back benefits.
$575,000.00
Client was traveling east on Long Street in Warwick when the defendant, pulling out of a side street, ran a stop sign. The client attempted to stop but was unable to avoid hitting the passenger side of the defendant’s car. Our client was taken from the scene by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital, where he stayed for two days.
Quick Follow-Up and Personalized Case Attention
Easily reached the attorney via phone. I dropped off paperwork and promptly received a call to go over it. The attorney is on the ball and doesn’t need time to look me up when I call to discuss my case, unlike other firms I’ve used.
Leo Z.
Unmatched Attention to Veterans’ Cases
Very great law firm for veterans. The time they take on your case is unbelievable. Please give them your business; you will never regret it.
Leland R.
Efficient Disability Claim Representation
Rob Levine is one of the greatest lawyers I’ve ever had. He got my settlement in just nine months for my disability, and it was a great settlement. If you’re looking for a disability lawyer to help you get your settlement quickly, please give them a call.
Yvette R.
Clear Communication and Genuine Client Care
I had an amazing experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, they were professional, supportive, and truly cared about my case. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made everything feel much less overwhelming.
A special thank you to the paralegal, Candy Rosado. She was absolutely incredible. She was always responsive, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Anytime I had questions or concerns, she made sure I felt heard and reassured.
I also want to recognize my attorney, Heather. She has been amazing, very firm, confident, and clearly knows exactly what she’s doing. That gave me so much peace of mind throughout the process.
I’m truly grateful for all the help and dedication they showed while handling my claim. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team that genuinely cares and goes above and beyond for their clients.
Errolis G.
Thorough and Caring Legal Team for Motorcycle Accidents
Rob Levine Law provides a great experience for my personal motorcycle accident injuries and motorcycle value recovery. Their website portal is easy to use, updating and logging your critical information, personal case references, and timelines. My lawyer, Kevin Marchand, is very proactive, detailed, and reliable! Thankfully, my case manager, Jorge Bedoya, is very caring, precise, and attentive to my needs. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them throughout my case.
Matt S.
Excellent Communication and Fast Case Resolution
My paralegal, Samantha De Souza, and attorney, Kevin Marchand, were both great! They kept me up to date with my case. They were really friendly and helpful with all their information and super patient with all my questions. I loved their online system as well, which kept track of where we were at, and the videos they used to help explain the next steps. They did a great job and closed my case quickly.
Alyssa S.