Port Morris, NY asked in Military Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for New York

Q: To whom it may concernMy cousin an army veteran passed away with no will, and won a lawsuit settlement.

What action can I take if he won a lawsuit, and I was the person that provided for him when he was alive and also paid all the expenses for his funeral. I called the law firm and was told that yes he won the case however no one will be getting any of the settlement.

2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: If your cousin, an Army veteran, passed away without a will and won a lawsuit settlement, and you were the primary provider for him during his life and covered the expenses for his funeral, there are legal avenues you can explore. Despite the law firm indicating that no one will receive any of the settlement, you may have a potential claim as a surviving relative who provided support. It's essential to gather documentation that supports your role as the primary provider and your cousin's lack of a will, ensuring your contribution and relationship with the deceased are duly recognized.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: I'm sorry for your cousin's loss. Depending on whether it involved a veteran matter or a civil matter, you could reach out to attorneys in the applicable area of practice. If you know basic details about the settlement (in terms of what type of legal action it involved (tort, contract, real estate, veteran's rights, etc.) that could be useful for an attorney to know. Good luck

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