East Brunswick Wrongful Death Lawyer
Helping Your Family Move Forward
The sudden, tragic loss of a loved one leaves the family devastated, suffering unimaginable grief and loss. When the death was the result of an act of negligence, specific family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim in civil court.
At the Law Office of Howard S. Teitelbaum, we represent families in these cases. No amount of money can make up for your loss, but the compensation makes it more possible for your family to move forward.
How Do I Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?
Most often, a wrongful death claim will be started by way of a lawyer filing the claim. It is crucial to have a strong legal representative on your side when seeking compensation for a wrongful death case.
Hiring a legal professional is often in a person's best interest as they are likely emotionally attached to the situation and would benefit from the objective help of an aggressive lawyer.
Call (732) 338-0785 today for a free consultation with our East Brunswick wrongful death attorney, or contact us online.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim can be brought by immediate family members, including the:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents of unmarried children
- And some other family members, based on the situation
If your loved one died in an accident caused by another person, that party should be held accountable for their actions. A wrongful death claim can be filed to hold that party accountable.
At our firm, we offer compassionate, dedicated legal representation to families who have lost a loved one due to an act of negligence, or an intentional action that led to the loss of life, such as an assault.
These cases are filed in civil court, with intent to recover a range of financial and personal losses, called damages.
Wrongful Death Defined in New Jersey
Every state has its own laws governing wrongful death cases. In New Jersey, a death is considered wrongful if it is "caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another."
In other words, the conditions that caused the person's death must be such that if they had lived, they would have been able to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party in court.
Wrongful death cases are therefore in essence personal injury claims that are brought on a deceased person's behalf.
Wrongful death claims can be brought in relation to a wide range of fatal accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Wrongful death claims in New Jersey may be filed even if a related criminal case has already been filed. Since wrongful death claims are civil claims, they are compensated only by monetary damages, whereas criminal cases may result in probation, fines, or jail time being imposed for the responsible party.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Like any lawsuit, wrongful death claims must be filed within a set time frame in order to be heard by the courts. In New Jersey, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the deceased person's death.
If this window passes and you have not yet filed a claim, you will lose your right to sue and will essentially be barred from pursuing compensation for your family's loss. For this reason, it is important to get a skilled attorney involved early on in your case to guard your rights and avoid potentially costly pitfalls.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Every case is unique, but in general terms, the compensation recovered in a wrongful death claim will include the following damages:
- Economic damages: These damages include the loss of income provided by your loved one, the amount he or she would have earned had he or she lived, the costs of medical care before death, funeral expenses, the costs of estate administration, and other financial losses.
- Non-economic damages: These damages reflect the loss of the support and companionship provided by your loved one, along with the pain and suffering experienced before death, among others.
Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional action, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. The compensation available in a wrongful death case varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the losses suffered by the surviving family members.
The following are some of the damages that may be recoverable in a wrongful death case:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the deceased's final injury or illness
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Pain and suffering of the surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
Calculating the value of a wrongful death case can be complex, but our experienced East Brunswick wrongful death lawyers can help you assess your damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Team?
Our law firm has decades of experience in wrongful death cases and offers an extraordinary level of personal legal representation. You can trust us to go the distance for your family and to pursue the maximum possible in compensation.
Call (732) 338-0785 today or contact us online to reach a compassionate East Brunswick wrongful death attorney in either English or Spanish.
