New York Governor Rejects New Wrongful Death Law

Each year, countless people in New York die due to the negligence of others. While no amount of compensation will ever bring these people back, their families can at least pursue some degree of justice and accountability through wrongful death lawsuits. However, New York’s wrongful death laws are quite limiting – and some believe that families should be able to pursue more compensation in the Empire State. A recent effort to expand the state’s wrongful death statute has failed for a third time.

Grieving Families Act Vetoed Once Again 

The Grieving Families Act dates back to January of 2023. Since that time, the proposed law has been vetoed on three separate occasions over the space of about two years. Each time, the law was revised slightly to give it a better chance of passing. Each time, Governor Hochul vetoed the Grieving Families Act.

Each successive veto has come as crushing news to countless families throughout New York. Some of these families are in the process of pursuing wrongful death lawsuits, and this new bill would have provided them with greater justice and compensation.

Despite failing for a third time, the lawmakers behind this bill are ready to keep fighting. They plan to try again in the near future, and they may eventually be successful. That being said, the current administration seems to have a very clear stance on this subject.

Why Did Governor Hochul Veto the Grieving Families Act? 

When explaining her decision, the Governor stated that she was concerned about the new law increasing costs for insurance and healthcare. She also explained that the Grieving Families Act could negatively affect businesses throughout the state.

However, Hochul seemed to leave the door open for potential changes to the state’s wrongful death laws in the future. She called the bill “well-intentioned,” and she stated that she was willing to have further conversations about the issue.

Critics say that this open-minded message was at complete odds with the Governor’s actions. Although she might have expressed a willingness to consider future revisions of the bill, her continued vetoes show a complete lack of flexibility. A representative of the Trial Lawyers Association stated that Hochul is clearly not willing to engage in “meaningful compromise.”

 Key Takeaways 

• Wrongful death lawsuits allow families to sue on behalf of deceased loved ones
• Current New York law only allows economic damages in wrongful death claims
• This is the third time this legislation has been vetoed in New York

Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Manhattan Help Me? 

A wrongful death lawyer in Manhattan may be able to help you strive for positive outcomes as you seek justice on behalf of your deceased loved ones. Even though grieving families in New York struggle to pursue compensation for non-economic damages like emotional distress, it may still be possible to achieve a sense of closure and justice with Cohan Law, PLLC. Schedule a consultation with our experienced wrongful death attorneys today for more information.

Sources: 

nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politics/hochul-vetoes-grieving-families-act-for-a-third-time/

spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2024/12/21/hochul-vetoes–grieving-families-act–for-a-third-time