In New Jersey Law, a wrongful death happens when someone dies because of another person’s actions that were careless, reckless, or on purpose. A wrongful death can be considered murder, and you can take legal action even if there is a criminal case going on. Usually, wrongful deaths occur because of “accidents” that could have been avoided if the people, businesses, or organizations responsible had taken reasonable care.
Many different accidents or incidents can lead to a wrongful death in New Jersey. Some examples include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Bicycle accidents
- Defective products
- Lack of security to prevent violent crime
- Wrongdoing by law enforcement
- Occupational exposure to asbestos and other toxins
When someone dies suddenly, their family may be too overwhelmed with shock and sadness to think about getting money to help with the costs associated with the death. Expenses like medical bills and funeral costs can add up fast. Furthermore, if the person who died was the one earning money for the family, they may have lost their source of income, making it even harder to pay those bills and other expenses.
A wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring back a loved one or fix the wrong that caused their death. However, it can assist families who find themselves in a money crisis because of a death they didn’t expect. Sometimes, a lawsuit can also provide compensation for the emotional pain and suffering, and it can hold the person or organization responsible for your loss accountable for their actions.
Our law firm has been practicing law in New Jersey since 1929. We are happy about our success in helping our clients, and we have obtained over $320 million in settlements and court decisions in just the past 4 years. Our firm focuses on cases that involve complicated medical and legal matters. We have a doctor working with us and many attorneys who are officially recognized as Civil Trial Attorneys by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. We have the necessary tools and abilities to handle even the most difficult cases.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
In New Jersey, only the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s will or estate can file a wrongful death claim. If the person who passed away did not have a will, the representative of the estate must be chosen by a probate court.
The claim is made on behalf of family members who relied on the person who died at the time of their death. This can include:
- A surviving spouse
- Any surviving children
- Surviving parents
- Surviving grandchildren
- Surviving siblings
- Surviving nieces or nephews
If there was a person who was not a relative but relied on the deceased person financially, they may also be eligible to receive compensation. However, this person has the responsibility to provide evidence or proof of their financial dependency.
If you’re not sure if you qualify for compensation through a wrongful death claim, you can contact our Law Firm, today.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?
In New Jersey, there is a time limit called the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case. This time limit is two years from the date the person passed away. It’s important to know that this applies only if you didn’t know that your loved one’s death happened because of someone’s carelessness. In such cases, the two-year time limit would start counting from the day you found out that your loved one’s death was wrongful.
However, it can be challenging to provide evidence that the discovery rule is applicable. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a licensed wrongful death lawyer in New Jersey as soon as you can. If the time limit expires, you might lose the opportunity to pursue compensation.
The attorneys at Our Law Firm, have a lot of knowledge about the laws in New Jersey that are relevant to wrongful death claims.
If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jersey, you can get in touch with our law firm by calling +1 332 282 9557. They can provide you with a free consultation where you can talk to an experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyer.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
When you’re coping with the aftermath of losing a loved one and the expenses that come with it, you might be worried about how much it will cost to hire a lawyer. At our Law Firm, the attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that their fee will be a percentage of the amount you are awarded. They only get paid if they are successful in winning your case. You can reach out to a wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation to talk about the costs of hiring a lawyer in more detail.
What should I do when dealing with a wrongful death?
Losing someone you love because of someone else’s careless or purposeful actions can be hard to understand and deal with. It can leave you with a lot of bills to pay and no income coming in. You shouldn’t have to go through a money crisis on top of everything else you’re going through. It’s important to reach out to a skilled wrongful death lawyer who can help you get the money you should receive.
What is the average wrongful death case worth?
The value of a wrongful death case can be very different for each person because everyone experiences different types of harm. You or your family might have to pay a lot of money for medical and funeral expenses. If the person who died was the one earning money for the family, it can make things even more difficult financially. You may also receive compensation for the emotional pain and suffering you’ve gone through. To get a better idea of how much your case might be worth, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced wrongful death lawyer. They can give you an estimate based on the harm you’ve suffered.