NEW YORK
Langan v. St. Vincent's Hospital
The surviving partner of a New York same-sex couple who had formalized a civil union in Vermont sought to recover for wrongful death.
Although Langan prevailed in the trial court, the decision was reversed by the intermediate appellate court. The state's highest court declined to hear the case.
Documents
Trial Court
- Decision (Apr. 10, 2003) (reported at 196 Misc. 2d 440, 765 N.Y.S.2d 411)
Intermediate Appellate Court
- Amicus Brief of the Bar Ass'n of the City of New York et al. (Feb. 12, 2004)
- Decision (Oct. 10, 2005) (reported at 25 A.D.3d 90, 802 N.Y.S.2d 476)
Highest Court
- Preliminary Appeal Statement Filing (Mar. 9, 2006) (noting sua sponte questions)
Commentary
- Leigh Jones, Suit Highlights Conflicts in Rights for Same-Sex Partners, N.Y.L.J., Feb. 14, 2003
- Joanna Grossman, Should a Surviving 'spouse' in a Same-Sex Couple Be Permitted to Sue for Wrongful Death?, Findlaw.com, Feb. 25, 2003
- Joanna Grossman, Vermont Civil Unions: Will Sister States Recognize Them? An Early Status Report, Findlaw.com, May 20, 2003
- Emily Stein, Comment, Langan v. St. Vincent's Hospital, 48 N.Y.L.S. L. Rev. 871 (2004)
- Tom Perrotta, Same-Sex Partner Loses Wrongful Death Action, N.Y.L.J., Oct. 17, 2005