New Jersey Wrongful Death Lawyers

five stars - Client Reviews

There are many decisions that must be made after the unexpected death of a loved one. While choosing an attorney is probably not the first thing family members want to think about, it can be an important step. The party responsible for your loved one’s death should be held accountable, and you and your family may be eligible to seek compensation to help secure your future.

The New Jersey wrongful death lawyers at the Lynch Law Firm, PC are here to help. There are no upfront fees for our services and the initial consultation is free. Our firm has obtained more than $300 million in compensation.*

Founding partner Arthur Lynch has achieved many verdicts and settlements that approach and exceed $1 million.*

Our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not get paid unless you receive compensation.

Lynch Law Firm, PC. Millions Recovered.* Call (800) 518-0508 .

Why Should I Hire A Wrongful Death Attorney?

The last thing a grieving family wants to deal with is the complexity of the legal process. That is why it can be so important to find an experienced attorney to represent you.

If you hire a qualified attorney with a history of results, you can rely on this person to handle the legal process on your behalf. He or she can deal with insurance companies and attorneys representing the at-fault party. He or she can investigate and build a strong case, evaluate your damages, and determine the full value of your claim.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your damages. We have obtained more than $300 million in compensation in a variety of cases.*

Those who hire an attorney typically recover more compensation than those who do not.

Definition of a Wrongful Death

In New Jersey, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by a wrongful or negligent act or default of another. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable and secure compensation for the victim’s loved ones.

In the same way, a personal injury claim may find a person, company, or property owner liable for an injury, a wrongful death suit may also find a person, company, or property owner liable for someone’s death.

A wrongful death claim may be brought to civil court even if a criminal case has also been filed by a prosecutor in the state.

Liability for a Wrongful Death

A variety of circumstances can cause a wrongful death claim to be filed:

  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction accidents
  • Auto accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Birth injuries
  • Boating accidents
  • A criminal act
  • And more

Liability for wrongful death is assessed on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a construction worker was killed on the job due to his or her employer’s negligence, the employer may be liable. If a drunk driver caused a fatal accident, that driver may be held liable for breaking the law by getting behind the wheel while drunk.

If you lost a loved one because of another’s negligence, Lynch Law Firm, PC’s New Jersey wrongful death lawyers may be able to help you.

Schedule a free consultation today. Call (800) 518-0508 .

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In New Jersey, wrongful death claims may only be filed by the executor or administrator of the decedent’s will or estate. If the victim did not have a will, the representative of the estate must be appointed by a probate court.

The claim is filed on behalf of family members who were dependent on the deceased at the time of his or her death. This may include:

  • A surviving spouse
  • Any surviving children
  • Surviving parent(s)
  • Surviving grandchildren
  • Surviving siblings
  • Surviving nieces or nephews

If a non-relative was financially dependent on the deceased, this person may also be eligible to receive compensation. However, the burden of proof is on this person.

If you are unsure whether you may be eligible for compensation from a wrongful death claim, call Lynch Law Firm, PC today.

How Much Can a Wrongful Death Case Be Worth?

Every case is different, so it is difficult to put a specific value on a wrongful death case without knowing the facts and reviewing the evidence.

That said, there are certain types of damages surviving family members may be eligible to pursue in New Jersey. These damages are meant to compensate the estate and the surviving family members for their loss due to the passing of a loved one. This may include:

  • Loss of financial support – income the deceased would have made if he or she survived and kept working
  • Loss of care, guidance, or companionship
  • Loss of valuable household services such as cleaning, childcare, and other chores
  • Medical, funeral, and burial expenses from the deceased person’s final illness or injury

In New Jersey, surviving family members are not able to recover damages for emotional distress. That said, if you were present at the time of death and suffered severe emotional distress, you may be able to file a separate claim for compensation.

New Jersey prohibits you from seeking punitive damages for wrongful death.

You should strongly consider reviewing your claim with a licensed attorney who can help determine the damages you may be able to pursue.

Free consultation. No upfront fees. Call today: (800) 518-0508 .

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

New Jersey’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is two years from the person’s death. It is important to note this only applies if you did not know your loved one’s death was caused by negligence. In cases like these, the two-year clock would not start to run until the date you discovered your loved one suffered a wrongful death.

However, it is often difficult to prove the discovery rule applies. That is why it is important to get in touch with a licensed New Jersey wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Once the clock runs out, you may lose the right to seek compensation.

The attorneys at Lynch Law Firm, PC have extensive knowledge of New Jersey laws that apply to wrongful death claims.

Survival Claims vs. Wrongful Death Claims

Under state law, the deceased’s estate can pursue compensation for the following types of losses suffered by the deceased before he or she died:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering

These damages can be pursued in a survival action, which is like a personal injury claim in some ways. In other words, the victim may have been able to pursue this claim if he or she had survived. This is not the same as a wrongful death claim.

If damages are recovered in a survival action, they are given to the deceased’s estate. It is important to note creditors can come after the estate for payment of a debt.

The statute of limitations for these claims is also two years. That means if you do not file within two years, your claim is likely to be dismissed in court.

Resources for Those Who Lost Loved Ones

Many people dealing with the loss of a loved one may benefit from grief counseling and other interventions.

The Red Cross offers an integrated condolence care program for families grieving the loss of a loved one. The program provides emotional support and grief counseling, along with faith-based resources. These are available across the state.

For families who have lost a parent or head of household, the National Alliance for Grieving Children has a directory of programs and support service providers throughout the state.

Contact Us Today for Answers to Your Legal Questions

Call our offices today to find out how we may be able to help you file a claim if the negligence of another person caused the death of someone you love.

We offer a no-obligation case evaluation at no cost to you, and we do not get paid unless you receive compensation. Our attorneys recovered $1.5 million for a car crash victim who died in the accident and $1 million for a pedestrian who was hit by a car and killed while attempting to cross the street.*

Our office is located at 440 Route 17 North in Hasbrouck Heights, just 10 minutes from Columbia University Medical Center.

Call today: (800) 518-0508 . We are here to help.

FREECASE
EVALUATION

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Trusted By:

  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.