Our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of top wrongful death case attorneys covering Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas from January 2025 to September 2025.
We evaluated 66 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 Poughkeepsie. We highlighted the top 6 firms based on our analysis.
How We Ranked the Wrongful Death Lawyers in Poughkeepsie:
- 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 Poughkeepsie, 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 Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie’s Top Wrongful Death Attorneys
| Rank | Attorney/Firm | Average Review Score | Total Reviews | Case Success Rate | Years of Experience | Related Cases | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Richman Law | 4.9/5 | 152+ | 96% | 22 | 61 | 95/100 |
| 2 | Sobo & Sobo | 4.7/5 | 119+ | 88% | 26 | 56 | 88/100 |
| 3 | Ellis Law | 4.5/5 | 31+ | 91% | 33 | 54 | 85/100 |
| 4 | Lichtenstein Law | 4.8/5 | 35+ | 83% | 11 | 28 | 72/100 |
| 5 | Oginski Law | 4.8/5 | 43+ | 85% | 28 | 17 | 70/100 |
| 6 | Jonna Spilbor Law | 4.3/5 | 42+ | 54% | 3 | 23 | 65/100 |
Attorney Profiles: Top Wrongful Death Law Firms in Poughkeepsie
Eric Richman Law, for relentless advocacy and lasting compassion
Eric Richman Law stands out for guiding families through wrongful death cases 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 Poughkeepsie 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 is described as “attentive”, “dedicated”, and “hardworking,”. Clients also mentioned he “really takes the time to explain every step” and is “incredibly attentive to details.” One happy client remarked, “if you’re looking for a law firm that combines expertise, compassion, and a touch of genius, then this is the place for you.” |
Sobo & Sobo, for an established regional firm with broad personal injury experience
Sobo & Sobo is a well-established firm recognized for handling a wide range of personal injury cases across multiple states. Their depth of experience gives families confidence when navigating complex legal challenges. That said, because the firm manages over a dozen practice areas, some clients may find the approach less tailored than that of a more specialized team. For those seeking extensive resources and seasoned litigators, Sobo & Sobo remains a trusted option for families in Poughkeepsie.
Location: 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 noted as being “reliable” and “thorough” with multiple clients saying the firm “explained the process clearly from start to finish” and “made a stressful situation manageable.” However, some reviewers mentioned the firm can feel “cold” than perhaps smaller firms. |
Ellis Law, for innovative programs and a focus on complex cases
Ellis Law is a cornerstone firm for families facing catastrophic injuries and events. 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. The firm’s recent focus on high-profile drug claims, such as Tylenol and Zyprexa, may draw attention away from individual wrongful death matters.
Location: Poughkeepsie (with offices in NYC, Albany, and Fishkill)
Year Established: 1982
Services Offered: Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, car accidents, wrongful death cases
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Ellis Law has been reviewed as “friendly” and “great people.” Clients have noted their “quick responses” which made them “never felt left in the dark.” Although there are fewer reviews, most emphasize the approachable staff and professionalism in complex cases. |
Lichtenstein Law, for experienced care with local limitations
Lichtenstein Law specializes in medical malpractice, which can sometimes result in wrongful death claims when medical negligence occurs. The firm is highly recognized in this area, but with three offices located outside Poughkeepsie and only three senior partners, they handle relatively few wrongful death cases locally.
Location: 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 was praised for his “relentless pursuit of justice,” and how he “didn’t back down”. Many clients appreciated his “personalized attention” and “strategic approach” to complex medical malpractice cases. |
Oginski Law, for personal guidance
Oginski Law is a sole proprietor firm specializing in medical malpractice and wrongful death cases, providing clients with direct, personal attention from Gerry Oginski. While Gerry offers extensive educational resources including books and videos, this focus can limit time devoted to individual cases. His personal experience and dedication bring insight and compassion, but his limited resources and local Poughkeepsie experience can make results less consistent.
Location: Long Island, NY (with affiliate offices in Brooklyn)
Year Established: 1997
Services Offered: Medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Gerry Oginski is known to be “extremely transparent” with his clients. One client specifically called out his educational videos, saying they helped her feel “prepared and informed”. Another highlighted Oginski’s “tenacity” and “compassionate guidance during frustrating outcomes.” |
Jonna Spilbor Law, for local roots with limited wrongful death focus
Jonna Spilbor Law is rooted in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley, handling a variety of legal matters. Wrongful death cases, however, make up only a small part of the practice. With the founder, Jonna, often appearing on Fox News, radio shows, and other media projects, clients may have limited direct access to her.
Location: Fishkill, NY (with offices in Poughkeepsie and NYC)
Year Established: 1998
Services Offered: Personal injury, family law, criminal defense
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Jonna Spilbor Law is often described by clients as “resourceful” and “communicative”. Some clients stated the firm “really tries to help you get what you deserve.” None of the reviews pertain to wrongful death cases, reflecting the firm’s lack of focus in this area. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I find the best wrongful death lawyer in Poughkeepsie?
Look for lawyers who have handled wrongful death cases in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley, have good client reviews, and a history of winning settlements or trials. Decide if you want a firm that focuses only on wrongful death or one that works on different personal injury cases too.
Q: Do bigger law firms get better results for wrongful death cases?
Not always. Big firms have more resources and can handle complicated cases, but smaller firms or solo lawyers can give you more personal attention and direct contact. The best choice depends on whether you want a lawyer who is easy to reach or one with lots of resources.
Q: Why do some highly rated wrongful death lawyers have fewer cases in Poughkeepsie?
Some lawyers spend most of their time on medical malpractice, drug lawsuits, or other personal injury cases. This means they might handle fewer wrongful death cases locally. A low number of cases does not always mean they are not skilled. Look at client reviews and past results to see how successful they are.
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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.
