boston wrongful death lawyers help families seek answers after an unexpected loss. When someone else’s negligence causes a death, the grief can feel overwhelming. You also may face bills, paperwork, and insurer calls right away. Our team of boston wrongful death lawyers steps in so you don’t have to handle those fights alone.
At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we know money can’t replace your loved one. But a strong claim can ease financial pressure and demand accountability. Working with an experienced Boston injury attorney can also help you stay on track and protect your rights.
Understanding the Emotional and Financial Toll
The impact of a sudden death ripples through a family in many ways. Beyond the immediate emotional trauma and grief, there are often significant financial stresses that appear almost instantly. You might be facing unexpected medical bills from life-saving efforts, high funeral costs, and the sudden loss of a primary income that supported your household.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Many families we work with tell us they feel like they are in a fog, unsure of where to turn or how to even begin the process of seeking compensation. This is why we focus on being more than just your legal representatives; we aim to be your advocates and allies. We take the time to listen to your story, understand the unique bond you shared with your loved one, and fight for a settlement that reflects the true magnitude of your loss.

boston wrongful death lawyers: What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the “negligence, wanton or reckless act” of another person or entity. These cases can arise from various situations, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Whether it’s a car, truck, or motorcycle crash.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors made by healthcare professionals or hospitals.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatal injuries occurring on construction sites or in industrial settings.
- Defective Products: Malfunctioning machinery or dangerous consumer goods.
- Premises Liability: Fatal slips, falls, or security failures on someone else’s property.
When you hire boston wrongful death lawyers, we investigate what happened and why it happened. We review police reports, witness statements, and expert input. We use that work to build a clear, strong claim. If you want a simple starting point, read about factors considered in these cases.
The Massachusetts Statute of Limitations
Timing is a critical factor in any legal matter, but it is especially poignant in wrongful death cases. Under Massachusetts law, specifically M.G.L. Chapter 229, Section 2, there is a strict timeline for filing a claim. Generally, you have three years from the date of the death (or from the date the executor knew or should have known about the cause of death) to initiate a lawsuit.
Three years can pass fast when you’re grieving. Evidence can disappear, and memories can fade. If you contact a Boston injury attorney early, we can work to preserve key proof. Waiting too long can cost you the right to seek compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
The legal system classifies the compensation you can receive as “damages.” In a Massachusetts wrongful death lawsuit, the goal is to compensate the estate and the survivors for both economic and non-economic losses. These may include:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: The immediate costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of Income: The wages and benefits the deceased would have reasonably earned had they lived.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of protection, care, assistance, society, and companionship.
- Medical Expenses: Any bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness before they passed away.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the conduct was exceptionally “malicious, willful, wanton or reckless,” the court may award additional money to punish the wrongdoer.
Calculating these damages requires a deep understanding of both law and finance. For instance, determining the “loss of future income” involves looking at career trajectories, inflation, and life expectancy. You can read more about how we determine how much a case might be worth to understand the complexity involved.

Why Experience Matters: Over 60 Years of Advocacy
When you are grieving, you need a law firm that has “been there before” and knows exactly how to handle the tactics used by insurance companies. At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we bring over 60 years of experience to the table. We have successfully resolved more than 30,000 claims, including many high-stakes wrongful death cases.
Our longevity in the Boston community means we have established relationships with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstructionists who can provide the technical support your case needs. We aren’t intimidated by large corporations or powerful insurance firms. Our goal is always the same: to secure the maximum possible recovery for our clients so they can focus on their emotional healing.
As experienced boston wrongful death lawyers, we know every family needs something different. Some families want closure fast. Others want their day in court. We’ll explain your options and help you choose what feels right for your family.
The “No Win, No Fee” Promise
We believe that high-quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation: especially after the loss of a provider. This is why we operate on a contingency fee basis.
What does this mean for you?
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay us a dime to start your case.
- We Advance All Expenses: We cover the costs of filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigations.
- No Win, No Fee: You only pay us a legal fee if we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or a court verdict.
This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without the added stress of hourly attorney bills. We are invested in your success because our payment depends on it. If you’re concerned about who will handle the mounting bills in the meantime, our resources on who pays for medical bills offer some helpful insights.

How Our Team Supports You
From the moment you walk through our doors or call us for a consultation, you will notice a difference in how we treat our clients. We aren’t just a “case number” factory. We are a family-run firm that treats our clients like family.
A Boston injury attorney from our firm will handle all communication with the insurance companies. Insurers often call early and push quick settlements. They hope you accept less than you deserve. We step in and tell them, “Talk to us, not our client.” That gives you room to grieve while we protect your claim.
If your loss involved a specific type of incident, such as a traffic accident, we have specialized knowledge in those areas as well. For example, if the tragedy involved a cyclist, you may find our information on bicycle accident claims relevant to the broader context of your case.
Seeking Justice for Your Loved One Today
Nothing can replace the person you lost, but holding the negligent party responsible is a vital step in the healing process. It sends a message that life is valuable and that negligence has consequences. Whether the death was the result of a tragic accident on the Mass Pike or medical negligence in a Boston hospital, you deserve to have your voice heard.
If you are ready to explore your legal options, our Boston wrongful death service page provides more details on our specific approach to these sensitive cases.

Don’t go through this alone. Let our boston wrongful death lawyers give you steady support and a clear plan. We can answer your questions, review your options, and handle the legal heavy lifting. If you’re ready to talk, our boston wrongful death lawyers are here for you every step of the way.
Contact Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. today for a free, compassionate consultation. We are ready to listen.







