Trenton Wrongful Death Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., we realize that no amount of money will ever be enough to compensate you for losing someone you love. However, we hope that by helping you and your family pursue justice through a wrongful death claim, we can give you what you need to find closure and healing.

Our personal injury lawyers in Trenton can help your family hold someone accountable for the fatal incident that took your loved one’s life. We practice personalized, client-first legal representation. Contact us at (201) 992-6125 for a free consultation about a potential wrongful death case in Trenton.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C.

Our Trenton wrongful death attorneys have over 90 years of combined experience. We have all of the skills, resources and knowledge you need for a strong wrongful death claim. Our past case results speak to our capabilities in and out of the courtroom.
We care about our clients. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., you aren’t just a case number. We want to get to know your family and learn how the death has impacted you so that we can tailor our legal services to suit your needs.
We operate on a contingency fee basis for all Trenton wrongful death claims. Under this payment structure, you won’t be charged anything for our services unless we win your case and recover compensation for your losses.

Why You Need a Trenton Wrongful Death Attorney

Even in the face of an unthinkable tragedy like wrongful death, an insurance company will put its bottom line first. Insurance companies are for-profit and do not care about your family. The insurer you have to deal with in the pursuit of justice for your deceased loved one may try many tactics to convince you to settle for as little compensation as possible – or nothing at all. It’s critical to fight back by hiring a wrongful death attorney in Trenton.

A wrongful death lawyer in Trenton can investigate the fatal accident, determine who is at fault and gather evidence to strengthen your case. This can include hiring experts, as necessary. Then, your Trenton wrongful death lawyer can deal with insurance companies and negotiate for maximum compensation while you focus on what matters most. Your Trenton wrongful death lawyer will know exactly how to navigate all of the laws and legal processes behind your wrongful death case.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death refers to a loss of a life caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or party. It is a terrible tragedy that should not happen in environments where everyone is doing their part to behave reasonably and responsibly.

New Jersey’s definition of the tort of wrongful death is a “death caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default” (N.J. Stat. § 2A:31-1). A wrongful act can refer to recklessness or a crime, such as physical assault. However, it is not necessary to prove that someone committed a crime in connection to your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim.

Neglect refers to carelessness or negligence, meaning acting in a way that a reasonably prudent person would not have in similar circumstances. This can include an omission or failure to act, otherwise known as a “default.”

What Can Cause Wrongful Death in Trenton?

Wrongful death cases in Trenton can arise after many different types of fatal accidents. If the cause of your loved one’s death was preventable or related to someone making a critical error, your family may be eligible for financial compensation.

Common causes of wrongful death in New Jersey include:

Motor vehicle accidents (please speak with an experienced Trenton car accident lawyer)
Commercial truck or van accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
Defective products
Dangerous premises
Catastrophic falls
Dog or animal attacks
Workplace accidents
Exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos
Medical malpractice
Acts of violence or abuse

The Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., has achieved proven results for clients in all of these practice areas and more. We will be here for you and your family to navigate the nuances of your specific type of wrongful death case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Trenton?

In New Jersey, the deceased person’s (decedent’s) surviving family members can receive damages or financial compensation that is awarded in a successful wrongful death claim. However, New Jersey law requires the personal representative or administrator of the decedent’s estate to file the claim. The representative will then distribute any financial proceeds collected to eligible heirs or beneficiaries according to the state’s laws of intestate succession.

Damages Available for Wrongful Death in New Jersey

One of the goals of a wrongful death claim besides obtaining justice by holding someone accountable is to reimburse survivors for their losses. New Jersey law permits the recovery of economic, noneconomic and punitive damages in a wrongful death claim.

These damages can include:

The decedent’s final medical or hospital bills
Reasonable funeral and burial costs
Lost wages and financial support over the decedent’s lifetime
Loss of love, care, advice, companionship and guidance
The value of lost household services
Exemplary damages to penalize the defendant for egregious acts of wrongdoing

The parties eligible to receive damages from a wrongful death case in Trenton include a surviving spouse, child, grandchild and parents of the decedent. Siblings, nieces and nephews of the decedent may also be eligible for compensation if there are no other surviving parties.

How Long Do You Have to File?

In New Jersey, a law known as the statute of limitations places a strict deadline on the right to file a wrongful death claim. For the most part, this deadline is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. However, there is no statute of limitations if the wrongful death arose from certain felonies for which the defendant is convicted (or found not guilty by reason of insanity), such as murder and manslaughter.

Request a Free, No-Pressure Wrongful Death Case Evaluation in Trenton

Your family deserves answers after the preventable death of a loved one in Trenton. The wrongful death lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., are here to help you get them. We will custom-tailor our legal strategies to suit your individual needs as we seek justice on your behalf. We will give your deceased loved one a voice in the civil justice system. Call us at (201) 992-6125 or contact us online to request a free consultation 24/7.