Thousands of New Jersey families are affected by these tragic losses every year. When a loved one’s death results from another’s negligence, the tragedy is magnified.
LOSING A LOVED ONE PREMATURELY IS A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE THAT NO FAMILY SHOULD EVER HAVE TO ENDURE.
However, families can file a wrongful death claim to address the financial impact of their loss.
Did you know?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the top three causes of death in the United States:
Accidents
Heart Disease
Cancer
Each year, more than 170,000 people die as a result of preventative accidents.
Did you know?
Falls
TOP 3 CAUSES OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS ACROSS THE U.S. ARE:
Motor vehicle accidents
Accidental poisoning
In New Jersey, 6.2 percent of all deaths are classified as accidental. This amounts to 4,767 deaths per year.
6.2
PERCENT
In 2020, there were several car accidents in New Jersey that resulted in fatalities. Among the victims were:
308 drivers of cars
85 passengers
18 bicyclists
179 pedestrians
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims are filed by a personal representative or executor of the deceased person's estate. This is done on behalf of the victim's surviving loved ones.
In New Jersey, a wrongful death claim can be made if someone dies due to another's wrongful act, neglect, or default.
WRONGFUL DEATH IN NEW JERSEY
Proof of Negligence
The family must prove negligence on the part of the other party.
TYPES OF ACCIDENTS YOU CAN FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM FOR
New Jersey wrongful death claims are commonly filed after any of the following types of accidents:
1
Car accidents are a leading cause of death in New Jersey and across the country.
CAR ACCIDENTS
2
In New Jersey, the truck driver's employer can also be named in a wrongful death claim.
TRUCK WRECKS
3
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
4
Pedestrian accidents is one of the most common types of fatal accidents.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
5
When a property owner fails to take the necessary precautions, they can be held liable for a slip & fall accident.
SLIP AND FALLS
6
Workplace accidents are among the more complex wrongful death claims.
WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A NEW JERSEY WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?
Under state law, a New Jersey wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date an accident victim passed away.
2
YEARS
Lost wagesLoss of supportFuneral and burial expenses
DAMAGES IN A WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
Families who successfully bring a wrongful death claim are entitled to damages to compensate them for their loss.
Notably, New Jersey wrongful death claims do not allow families to recover for the pain and suffering they endured as a result of the accident.
But, a personal injury attorney can help pursue related claims like a survival action or a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress.