New Jersey Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compassionate and capable attorneys help grieving families seek justice

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the situation cries out for justice. Surviving family members in New Jersey might have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. As a preeminent personal injury law firm in the greater New York area, Rich & Rich, P.C. represents families throughout northern New Jersey. We provide compassionate counsel and aggressive representation as we pursue accountability for liable parties and financial security for clients who have endured a devastating loss. Wherever you reside in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union or Warren County, you can rely on our firm for exemplary legal advocacy.

What is a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim available when a person dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless or intentional conduct. In these claims, the personal representative for the decedent’s estate files a claim to recover compensation for various types of harm stemming from the untimely death. 

Incidents that frequently give rise to wrongful death claims include:

• Fatal car crashes
• Medical malpractice
• Unsafe property conditions
• Workplace accidents
• Defective products

The goal of a lawsuit is to help families recover for the loss of financial support and services the deceased would have provided.

Actions to take after a loved one’s wrongful death

After a fatal incident, families should take steps to protect their emotional well-being and their legal rights. Obtaining copies of medical records, accident reports and death certificates can help preserve evidence. It is also important to avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.

Consulting our lawyers early enables timely investigation, identification of liable parties and preservation of key evidence. Prompt action is particularly important when multiple parties might be responsible for the fatality, such as in trucking collisions or workplace incidents.

Who is liable for a wrongful death under New Jersey law?

Liability means legal responsibility for causing the fatal event. Drivers might be responsible for negligent driving, employers for unsafe work environments, property owners for hazardous conditions or healthcare providers for medical errors. In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility,.

Determining liability requires a careful review of records, expert analysis and sometimes accident reconstruction. Establishing negligence is essential to proving a wrongful death claim and securing appropriate compensation.

Damages available for wrongful death

New Jersey wrongful death damages primarily compensate families for financial losses resulting from the death. These may include lost income, benefits, household services, and funeral expenses. The law focuses on the economic contributions the deceased would have provided to surviving dependents.

Although emotional suffering itself is generally not compensable in a wrongful death claim, related claims such as survival actions may allow recovery for the pain and suffering the victim experienced before dying. An attorney can evaluate which claims apply and how they interact to maximize recovery.

Who can file a NJ wrongful death lawsuit?

Under New Jersey law, personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit. Any compensation recovered is distributed to eligible surviving family members, typically spouses, children or other dependents.

New Jersey imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in most cases. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, making it essential to seek legal advice promptly. 

Contact our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers for a free consultation

Rich & Rich, P.C. is a preeminent personal injury law firm representing families coping with the wrongful death of a loved one throughout New Jersey. Our practice covers communities across northern New Jersey counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union and Warren. Please call 917-746-3358 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.