Jersey City
Wrongful Death Lawyers
Jersey City Wrongful Death Lawyer – Pursuing Justice for Families After a Fatal Loss
When someone you love dies because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, the emotional and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. While no amount of money can bring them back, a wrongful death claim can hold the responsible party accountable and help ease the burden on those left behind.
Our
Jersey City wrongful death lawyers
help grieving families pursue justice with compassion and resolve. If a fatal accident in Hudson County has changed your family forever, we’re here to guide you through your legal options—one step at a time.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in New Jersey
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought when someone’s death was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. These claims are entirely separate from any criminal charges. That means even if someone faces prosecution (like a drunk driver), the family can also bring a civil suit to recover compensation for their own losses.
Wrongful death cases can arise from all kinds of fatal incidents—from car crashes to workplace accidents—and serve to hold negligent individuals, companies, or institutions financially accountable.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in NJ?
In New Jersey, a wrongful death lawsuit is typically filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. This is usually a close family member or someone named in the will. The lawsuit is brought on behalf of the deceased’s eligible dependents, which often include:
- A surviving spouse
- Children or grandchildren
- Dependent parents or siblings (if no spouse or children)
In addition to a wrongful death claim, the estate may also pursue a survival action to recover damages for the pain and suffering the person endured between injury and death. We help families pursue both types of claims when appropriate.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Our law firm represents families in Jersey City and beyond who have lost loved ones due to:
- Fatal car accidents, including drunk or distracted driving
- Construction site accidents, such as falls or equipment failures
- Nursing home neglect, where untreated injuries or infections led to death
- Violent acts or assaults, with civil suits brought against perpetrators
- Workplace fatalities, especially those involving unsafe job conditions
While we don’t handle medical malpractice cases in-house, we can refer families to trusted attorneys who do.
Each of these tragic events stems from someone’s failure to act responsibly—and each deserves a legal response.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act allows the deceased’s family to recover compensation for pecuniary losses—that is, the financial and practical contributions the person would have made if they had lived. This can include:
- Loss of financial support (income, benefits, retirement contributions)
- Loss of services the person provided (childcare, household help, etc.)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury or illness
- Loss of parental guidance and care
- Loss of companionship and support
It’s important to note that emotional grief or sorrow, by itself, is not compensable in New Jersey wrongful death actions—but the loss of companionship and guidance for dependents can be.
In cases involving
willful misconduct or egregious negligence—such as a drunk driving death—punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future behavior.
Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases
We understand that grieving families don’t want to deal with legal forms, insurance companies, or court deadlines. Our job is to take that weight off your shoulders.
When we handle a wrongful death case, we:
- Thoroughly investigate the cause of death and gather supporting evidence
- Consult experts, such as economists, to fully calculate your family’s financial losses
- Negotiate firmly with insurers or defendants, and go to trial if fair compensation isn’t offered
- Communicate clearly with you throughout the process, so you’re never left wondering what comes next
We believe in treating our clients with the same care we’d want for our own families.
Wrongful Death FAQs – What You Need to Know
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in NJ?
Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file. However, if a public entity is involved (such as a city-operated vehicle or facility), you may need to file a Notice of Claim much sooner. Contact us right away to preserve your rights.
Will my case go to trial?
Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement. If liability is clear and insurance is adequate, a settlement may happen without court. But we prepare every case as if it may go to trial, so we’re ready to fight for the best outcome.
How is a settlement divided among family members?
If the survivors can agree, the distribution can be handled privately. If not, the court will decide based on the level of dependency of each eligible family member. All wrongful death settlements must be approved by the court.
Contact Us
Honor Their Memory by Seeking Justice
A wrongful death lawsuit isn’t about revenge—it’s about responsibility. It’s about helping a grieving family stay afloat and making sure the person who caused the loss is held accountable.
If you’ve lost someone due to another person’s negligence, don’t face the legal system alone. Our Jersey City wrongful death attorneys will listen with compassion, act with integrity, and pursue justice with everything we have.
We offer free, confidential consultations—and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your family.