Massachusetts Wrongful Death Attorney
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Client Reviews

We would just like to thank you so much for everything you have done to make this deeply emotional and stressful experience go as smoothly as possible. From our first call to you three years ago until the final one last month, you have consistently been thoughtful, kind, respectful and caring. We have always felt that our mothers estate was in good hands.
Donna and George D’lorio

Rick and David – I know both of you worked very hard on Kelly’s case. We would all like to thank you both. We couldn’t have done it without you. You hung in there and didn’t give up. It was our pleasure to work with you. I would give it all up just to have Kelly back but we all know that is not going to happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Keith, Susan, Keith Jr. and Kristen

Attorney David. J. Hoey
Our attorney believes that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity to live and work safely. When corporations, owners, and professionals fail to meet this responsibility, David J. Hoey stands ready and prepared to help the community find justice.
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Massachusetts Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one due to wrongful death is an incredibly painful experience. At HoeyLaw, we understand the immense grief you are going through, especially if the deceased was the primary provider for your family. During this difficult time, the added burden of managing financial responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys is here to support you and help you navigate the legal complexities of filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts. We offer free consultations and are committed to securing full and fair compensation for you and your family.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death claim arises when someone’s negligent or intentional actions cause another person to die. Common causes include car accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, or criminal behavior. When this happens, the surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation for their loss.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases can be filed for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Car Accidents: If another driver’s negligence caused the fatal crash, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors made by medical professionals that result in a loved one’s death can lead to a wrongful death claim.
- Defective Products: If a faulty product or medication caused your loved one’s death, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Workplace Accidents: Employers may be held liable if their negligence caused a fatal workplace injury.
Steps to Take After Losing a Loved One
Dealing with the death of a loved one is emotionally overwhelming. However, if you believe that their death was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to take action. Here are the steps you should follow:
Seek Legal Advice from an Experienced Attorney
Contact a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney at HoeyLaw for a free consultation. We can provide guidance on your legal options and help you understand whether you have a valid case.
Gather Important Documents and Evidence
To support your case, it’s important to collect documentation such as medical records, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. We can help you gather and organize this evidence to build a strong case.
File the Wrongful Death Claim
Once you decide to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit, our attorneys will help you file the necessary paperwork. We handle all aspects of the legal process, ensuring you don’t have to deal with the stress of legal complexities during such a difficult time.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
In Massachusetts, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the deceased person’s death. It is important to file the claim within this timeframe to ensure you don’t lose your right to seek compensation.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When pursuing a wrongful death claim in Massachusetts, the surviving family members may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and other financial losses caused by the death.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How HoeyLaw Can Help You
At HoeyLaw, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. We understand that a wrongful death claim can never bring your loved one back, but it can help provide financial security during a difficult time. Our team is here to fight for your rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We start on your case as soon as you hire us, and we won’t stop until we have achieved a successful result for your family. Our commitment to your case is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to ensure that you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Why Choose HoeyLaw?
- Free Consultations: We offer free consultations to discuss your case with no obligation.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Empathy and Understanding: We are compassionate and understand the emotional toll that wrongful death can take on a family.
- Experienced Attorneys: Our attorneys are well-versed in wrongful death law and have a proven track record of success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a loved one due to wrongful death is an emotionally devastating experience, and navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. At HoeyLaw, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you make the right decisions as you pursue justice. Below, we outline some common mistakes people make in wrongful death cases and explain how our experienced team can assist you every step of the way.
Not Hiring an Experienced Trial Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes people make is hiring an attorney who is not experienced in handling wrongful death cases or trial law. Insurance companies are familiar with which attorneys go to trial and which ones settle out of court. If they know your attorney isn’t likely to go to trial, they may offer you a low settlement to avoid paying a fair amount.
At HoeyLaw, we are seasoned trial attorneys who are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We have a proven track record of securing favorable results for our clients, and we are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve in front of a judge and jury.
Waiting Too Long to File a Lawsuit
In Massachusetts, there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. You have three years from the date of death to file your claim. While this may seem like a long time, it’s important to act quickly to ensure you gather the necessary evidence and avoid missing this critical deadline.
The longer you wait, the harder it may become to find important evidence or witnesses who can support your claim. Additionally, insurance companies may try to delay the process, hoping that you’ll give up. At HoeyLaw, we move quickly to ensure that all deadlines are met, and we’ll guide you through the process to make sure you don’t miss your chance for justice.
Talking to the Insurance Company Without an Attorney
After a wrongful death, insurance companies may contact you with offers or questions. It’s important not to speak to the insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often try to get statements from grieving family members, hoping to use those statements against you later. They may also offer a low settlement, hoping you will accept it out of a sense of urgency or emotional distress.
Before talking to any insurance company, make sure to have a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney on your side. At HoeyLaw, we can handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when their death is caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another, the emotional pain can be even more intense. At HoeyLaw, we understand that you likely have many questions about your legal options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from families in North Reading, MA who are dealing with wrongful death claims.
If you have additional questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team for a free consultation with a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney.
A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or wrongful act. These claims allow the surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. Common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and defective products.
In Massachusetts, only certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These typically include the surviving spouse, children, and sometimes parents or siblings, depending on the circumstances. A Massachusetts wrongful death attorney can help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. It’s important to file within this time frame to ensure your case is heard in court. Delaying too long could prevent you from seeking compensation.
In a wrongful death case, surviving family members may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Economic damages: This includes funeral expenses, medical bills, and any lost wages the deceased person would have earned.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and pain endured by the surviving family members.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
A Massachusetts wrongful death attorney can help you understand the specific damages you may be entitled to based on your unique case.
At HoeyLaw, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you during this difficult time. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and if we decide to move forward, we only get paid if you receive compensation.
It’s best to avoid speaking with the insurance company before consulting with a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney. Insurance companies may try to get a statement from you or offer you a quick settlement that’s much lower than what you are entitled to. An attorney can protect your rights, handle all communication with the insurance company, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
If the responsible party doesn’t have insurance or assets, it can be more difficult to recover damages, but there may still be options. If the person responsible is a business or corporation, they may have liability insurance. Additionally, your own insurance policies, such as uninsured motorist coverage, may help provide compensation. A wrongful death attorney can explore all potential avenues for recovery.
The length of time it takes to resolve a wrongful death case can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the responsible party to settle, and the amount of evidence involved. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others may take years if they go to trial. Our team at HoeyLaw is dedicated to moving your case forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring you get the best possible result.
The process of a wrongful death lawsuit typically involves several stages:
- Investigation: We gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness testimony.
- Negotiation: We will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where we will fight for your family in front of a judge and jury.
Throughout this process, a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney will guide you and advocate for your best interests.
If the person responsible for the wrongful death was also a victim in the incident, such as in a car accident, it is still possible to file a wrongful death claim. The circumstances may complicate the case, but an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you navigate the legal process.
Massachusetts Wrongful Death Attorney Client Story
This client story is for educational purposes only.
Elizabeth sat quietly on the edge of her bed, staring at the framed photo of her husband, Mark, from their last vacation. It was hard to imagine life without him. Mark was not just her husband; he was her rock, her best friend, and the father of their two young children. The pain of losing him in a tragic motorcycle crash was more than she could bear.
The crash wasn’t Mark’s fault. He was riding his motorcycle when a distracted driver ran a red light, slamming into him. Mark was thrown from his bike and, despite all efforts to save him, he didn’t make it. The moment Elizabeth got the news, her world shattered. Along with the heartbreak, she found herself overwhelmed by worry: How would she support her children without Mark’s income? How would she manage the funeral expenses, medical bills, and all the unexpected costs that were piling up?
But there was something that Elizabeth couldn’t shake — the feeling that the driver who caused this tragedy needed to be held accountable. She wasn’t sure where to start or what to do, but she knew she couldn’t face this alone.
That’s when she reached out to HoeyLaw.
When Elizabeth first met Attorney David Hoey, she was still numb with grief. She was unsure if a wrongful death lawsuit was even an option for her. But David’s calm demeanor and understanding reassured her. He didn’t just see a case; he saw Elizabeth’s pain and the unfairness of her loss. He listened. Really listened. And for the first time since Mark’s death, Elizabeth felt like someone truly cared about getting justice for her family.
David took the time to explain the legal process, step by step, in a way that made sense. He assured Elizabeth that she didn’t need to worry about anything other than taking care of herself and her children. HoeyLaw would handle the rest. And from that moment, Elizabeth knew she made the right choice. David fought tirelessly to ensure that the person responsible for Mark’s death was held accountable. He handled all communication with the insurance company, ensuring they didn’t take advantage of Elizabeth during this vulnerable time.
Months later, after navigating the legal process, Elizabeth received the compensation she needed. It didn’t bring Mark back, but it brought her a sense of relief and a little peace of mind. The settlement helped cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and most importantly, gave her the financial stability to focus on raising her children without the constant worry of how to make ends meet.
Elizabeth is still grieving, but she is also thankful. Thankful for the justice that David helped her achieve. Thankful for the support and care she received from HoeyLaw. Most of all, she is grateful to know that her husband’s death wasn’t in vain, and that David Hoey stood by her through it all.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one due to a wrongful death, like Elizabeth, you don’t have to go through this alone. HoeyLaw is here to guide you, fight for your family, and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. David Hoey and his team will be there every step of the way, just as they were for Elizabeth.
Dealing With the Heartbreaking Loss of a Loved One Due to Wrongful Death in North Reading, MA? Trust HoeyLaw to Help Your Family Seek Justice Today.
If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death in North Reading, MA, we understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family. The emotional toll is immense, and the added stress of navigating legal matters can feel overwhelming. At HoeyLaw, we are here to help. Our team of experienced Massachusetts wrongful death attorneys is ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves.
We offer free consultations, so you can speak with us about your case without any upfront cost. We understand the financial burden that comes with losing a loved one, and we don’t want legal fees to be a concern. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t owe us anything unless we secure a successful result for your wrongful death claim.
Our priority is to help you get the compensation you need to move forward and to hold those responsible for your loved one’s death accountable. We’re here to listen, provide guidance, and fight for your family every step of the way.
If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact HoeyLaw today. Our team is ready to help you through this challenging time. Call us or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with a Massachusetts wrongful death attorney.
Client Reviews

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few moments and properly thank you for all the effort and work you did in my mother’s case. There were trying moments for me, but you always calmly reassured me and answered my sometimes desperate questions with reason and compassion. Your confidence and competence in the handling of the case always gave me hope.”


