Top Wrongful Death Lawyers in Dutchess County, NY (2025 Rankings)

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Eric Richman, Esq.

Black and white photo of Eric Richman, Esq. at a government building for the car accident attorney in Ulster County

Our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of top wrongful death case attorneys covering Dutchess country and the larger Hudson Valley area from January 2025 to September 2025.

We evaluated 73 law firms that help clients who were involved in wrong death cases, which are civil lawsuits filed by surviving family members or beneficiaries when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, misconduct, or wrongful actions. These cases seek financial compensation for loses such as medical expenses, lost income, and funeral costs.   

A weighted scoring system was used to rank the firms who truly serve family members of wrongful death in Dutchess County. We highlighted the top 6 firms based on our analysis.

How We Ranked the Wrongful Death Lawyers in Dutchess County:

  • Case Success Rate (30 points) – Reported outcomes based on publicly available case outcomes and reported settlements via public records and law firm websites
  • Client Review Score (25 points) – Data collected from publicly available sources including Avvo, Google Reviews, and firm websites (January–September 2025)
  • Related Cases (25 points) – How many wrongful death cases the firm has tried in Dutchess County, based on publicly available case outcomes and reported settlements via public records and law firm websites.
  • Review Volume (10 points) – Number of Reviews Available from publicly available sources including Avvo, Google Reviews, and firm websites (January–September 2025)
  • Years of Experience (10 points) – Total years practicing in Dutchess County

Dutchess County’s Top Wrongful Death Attorneys

RankAttorney/FirmAverage Review Score Total ReviewsCase Success RateYears of ExperienceRelated Cases Total Score
1Eric Richman Law4.9/5152+96%22 6895/100
2Ellis Law4.5/531+91%335989/100
3Sobo & Sobo4.7/5119+88%265785/100
4Lichtenstein Law4.8/535+83%112878/100
5Finkelstein & Partners LLP4.5/521+82%263472/100
6MidHudson Injury Law4.5/538+73%263165/100

Attorney Profiles: Top Wrongful Death Law Firms in Dutchess County

Eric Richman Law, for relentless advocacy and lasting compassion

Eric Richman Law stands out for guiding families through wrongful death cases in Dutchess County with precision, empathy, and proven results. Richman and his team are known for combining strategic litigation with genuine care. Even with offices in New York City, families in Dutchess County turn to Eric Richman Law when they need a courtroom advocate who is both fierce and compassionate.

Location: New York, NY (serving Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County)
Year Established: 
2003
Services Offered: 
Wrongful death cases, car accidents, medical malpractice cases

Summary of Online Reviews
Eric Richman Law is described as “attentive”, “dedicated”, and “hardworking,”. Many praise how Eric “walks you through every step of the legal process” and “really pays attention to every detail.” One satisfied client shared, “if you want a firm that blends expertise, empathy, and brilliance, this is the one to choose.” Reviews frequently highlight the firm’s combination of professionalism and personal care for families pursuing wrongful death or personal injury claims.

Ellis Law, for innovative programs and a focus on complex cases

Ellis Law is a cornerstone firm for families facing catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. With offices across New York, the firm combines large-firm resources with creative client programs like “For Settlement Only,” which does not proceed if a case goes to trial. While their recent focus on high-profile drug claims, such as Tylenol and Zyprexa, has drawn attention, the firm maintains strong expertise for families in Dutchess County pursuing complex legal cases.

Locations: Fishkill, NY (with offices in Poughkeepsie, NYC, and Albany)
Year Established: 
1982
Services Offered: 
Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, car accidents, wrongful death cases

Summary of Online Reviews
Ellis Law is frequently called “approachable” and “personable.” Reviewers often mention the team’s “rapid responses” and how clients “never felt left out of the loop.” While the firm has fewer online reviews, the feedback consistently notes their courteous staff and ability to handle complex cases.

Sobo & Sobo, one of the region’s larger firms, known for being trial-tested in personal injury cases

Sobo & Sobo is a well-established regional firm with broad personal injury experience across multiple states. Their depth of experience gives families confidence when navigating complex legal challenges. Because the firm manages over a dozen practice areas, some clients may find the approach less tailored than a specialized Dutchess County wrongful death attorney. For those seeking extensive resources and seasoned litigators, Sobo & Sobo remains a trusted option for families in the Hudson Valley.

Locations: 18 offices in NY, NJ, CT, PA, OH, and IL, including Middletown and Poughkeepsie
Year Established: 
1969
Services Offered: 
Car accidents, wrongful deaths, construction accidents, and more

Summary of Online Reviews
Sobo & Sobo is recognized as “dependable” and “detailed,” with multiple clients appreciating that the team “explained the entire process from beginning to end” and helped “reduce my fears during challenging times.” Some reviewers, however felt the firm could come across as “rude”.

Lichtenstein Law, for experienced care with local limitations

Lichtenstein Law specializes in medical malpractice, which can sometimes result in wrongful death claims due to medical negligence. The firm is highly recognized in this area, but with three offices located outside Dutchess County and only three senior partners, they handle relatively few wrongful death cases, limiting their direct regional experience.

Locations: Long Island, NY (with offices in Westchester and Philadelphia)
Year Established: 
1983
Services Offered: 
Medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death

Summary of Online Reviews
Joseph Lichtenstein earns praise for his “relentless advocacy,” and “unwavering commitment” to clients.  Many highlight his “personal approach” and “strategic thinking” in intricate medical malpractice cases.

Finkelstein & Partners LLP, personal injury attorneys with statewide reach

Finkelstein & Partners LLP has represented clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims for decades across New York State. While the firm offers a large team and extensive resources, its experience in Dutchess County wrongful death cases is more limited compared to local practices that focus closely on the region. Families seeking highly localized attention may find smaller, specialized firms more aligned with their needs.

Locations: 12 throughout the tri-state area including 5 in the greater Hudson Valley area (Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, Kingston, Middletown, and Newburgh)
Year Established: 
1974
Services Offered: 
Motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and personal injury

Summary of Online Reviews
Finkelstein & Partners LLP is often noted as “experienced” and “more than capable,” with a record of “achieving results” in personal injury matters. However, several clients expressed concerns over a “lack of focus on my case,” and questioned whether the firm’s broad practice could fully meet the needs of families pursuing these sensitive wrongful death claims.

MidHudson Injury Law, for serious injuries

Also known as Schneider Law Offices, MidHudson Injury Law represents families in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley in serious personal injury claims, which sometimes include wrongful death cases. Attorney Bryan Schneider is often recognized for his welcoming personality and compassion. While the firm takes on a wide range of accident cases, its track record in wrongful death matters is smaller than some larger, more specialized practices in the region.

Location: New Paltz, NY (with offices in Manhattan, Queens, White Plains, and Poughkeepsie)
Year Established: 
1990
Services Offered: 
Serious injury litigation, such as automobile accidents, wrongful death cases, and animal attacks

Summary of Online Reviews
Bryan Schneider at MidHudson is described as “intelligent”, “thorough” and “compassionate. Reviewers mention he makes complicated legal processes easier to understand and is “friendly and helpful”.  Some clients, though, noted that while the firm is professional, the overall support can sometimes feel less personalized in highly sensitive wrongful death cases.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I find the best wrongful death lawyer in Dutchess County?
Look for a wrongful death attorney in Dutchess County, NY who has handled cases locally and in the Hudson Valley, has strong client reviews, and a proven track record of winning settlements or trials. Decide whether you want a firm that focuses solely on wrongful death cases or one that handles various personal injury matters.

Q: Do bigger law firms get better results for wrongful death cases?
Not always. Large firms may have more resources to manage complex cases, but smaller firms or solo attorneys can provide more personal attention and direct contact. The right choice depends on whether you value accessibility or extensive resources for your case.

Q: Why do some highly rated wrongful death lawyers have fewer cases in Poughkeepsie?
Some attorneys focus most of their practice on medical malpractice, product liability, or other personal injury cases. This can result in fewer wrongful death cases locally. A low number of local cases doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of skill. Remember to review client testimonials and past results to gauge their success.

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This ranking is based on publicly available data and an independent analysis. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information on wrongful death case support in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and the surrounding area, please read here.

The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Viewing or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Eric Richman, and any communications through this platform do not constitute confidential or privileged information. For personalized legal guidance on your specific personal injury case, please contact our firm to schedule a consultation.

Contact Us Today

The Law Office of Eric Richman embraces this individualized approach. Your initial contact connects you directly with Eric, who will provide a fair, impartial case assessment. If you’re unable to travel, he’ll come to you.

In the face of life-changing injuries due to negligence, a legal team well-versed in complex personal injury cases is crucial. Reach out to the Law Office of Eric Richman to find out if we can assist.

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