Newark Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one is a tragedy under any circumstances. If you have reason to suspect that someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your loved one’s death, however, it can be even harder to cope with your loss.
The Newark wrongful death attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. understand what you’re going through. We are passionate about pursuing justice for victims who are wrongfully killed throughout New Jersey. Our lawyers can help your family seek answers, accountability and fair financial compensation during this difficult time. Contact us today to start with a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Us?
- We care about our clients and are committed to their success. Your lawyer will work closely with you to identify your goals, learn your story and customize a legal plan for your needs.
- Our attorneys have over 90 years of combined legal experience. We have collected millions of dollars in recoveries for past clients.
- Our Newark wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay your lawyer anything for services rendered unless he or she wins your case.
How Is Wrongful Death Defined in New Jersey?
According to New Jersey Statutes Section 2A:31-1, when the death of a person is caused by someone else’s wrongful act, neglect or default, a wrongful death action can be brought for damages resulting from the death. A wrongful death action is a civil lawsuit that pursues financial compensation for a preventable loss of life from the person or party allegedly responsible.
A wrongful act can refer to a crime, such as physical assault, as well as careless or reckless actions. Neglect is the failure to act with an appropriate amount of care for the situation. Default means an omission, or the failure to do something that a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances. If your loved one passed away under any of these circumstances, your family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim in New Jersey.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Newark
Every year, hundreds of New Jersey residents lose their lives in fatal accidents that could have been prevented. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death in the state are:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Dangerous premises
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Acts of violence
Our attorneys have the knowledge, case experience and resources to accept any type of wrongful death claim in Newark.
How Do Wrongful Death Cases Work in New Jersey?
A successful wrongful death claim in Newark must abide by all relevant New Jersey laws and statutes. If you skip a step or make a mistake, this can compromise your family’s ability to recover financial compensation. It is best to entrust your case to an attorney who understands how the legal process works in your state. Below is some basic information about wrongful death claims in New Jersey:
- Who can file a wrongful death claim? State law restricts the right to file a wrongful death claim to only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Also known as an executor or administrator, this individual may be named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the courts. The representative acts on behalf of surviving family members and beneficiaries.
- How long does a family have to file a wrongful death claim? New Jersey’s statute of limitations (deadline) on a wrongful death case is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. With only a few exceptions, if you miss your time limit, your case will be dismissed. There is no statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim involving murder, aggravated murder or manslaughter, however.
- What is a survival action? A survival action is a separate type of lawsuit that could potentially be filed to pursue compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering, rather than the losses suffered by the family. Any compensation awarded in a survival action will go to the decedent’s estate.
You can learn more about these laws and the claims filing process in Newark by consulting with an attorney at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. We have years of experience handling even the most complex wrongful death lawsuits and survival actions in New Jersey. We can help you and your family pursue the case results that you deserve for the tragic loss of a loved one’s life.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
We realize that no dollar amount will ever be sufficient for your loved one’s life. However, we also recognize the financial strain that a family can experience after a wrongful death – especially the death of the breadwinner. Our attorneys are passionate about pursuing the compensation that a family needs to ease their financial burden and plan for the future in times of grief. The damages that are available during a wrongful death claim can include:
- Any medical expenses related to the decedent’s final injury or illness.
- The loss of the decedent’s financial support, including wages and inheritance.
- The value of the decedent’s lost household services.
- The loss of the decedent’s companionship, guidance, advice and care.
Any damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jersey will go to eligible beneficiaries. This may include a surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and nieces or nephews. In general, other family members will only receive compensation if no surviving spouse or child exists, and if they can prove that they were dependent on the decedent at the time of death.
Speak to an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Newark Today
Hiring a wrongful death attorney to represent you and your family during a lawsuit in Newark can take the legal burden from your shoulders. You can trust your lawyer to handle the complicated legal process for you while you grieve, heal and spend time with your family. A wrongful death lawyer will work for you – not an insurance corporation. You will benefit from an in-depth case investigation, answers to your questions, trustworthy legal advice and guidance, and a strong negotiator to protect your interests.
For more information about a potential wrongful death claim and how our attorneys can help, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. for a free case review. Send us a message online or call (201) 928-0300 to request your free consultation.