In 2020, New Jersey residents were battling the pandemic, so it’s not all that surprising that both Covid-19 and heart disease topped the list regarding the leading causes of death in our state.
However, over 4,777 residents perished during the same year due to unintentional injuries. Many of these fatal accidents were the result of someone’s negligence. Negligence means that someone with a legal responsibility to provide adequate care failed to do so, resulting in injury or death.
That doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically have the costs of losing your loved one covered, though. To get compensation for wrongful death in New Jersey, you’ll have to pursue a claim. Learn everything you need to know about wrongful death claims in Newark and Jersey City below.
What is a Wrongful Death?
While all deaths are unfortunate and tragic, they don’t all fall under the legal category of ‘wrongful death. In legal terms, this means a death resulting from a wrongful act of another person. When it comes to civil law, the surviving loved ones of the deceased have a right to seek financial compensation for losses suffered due to the wrongful death from the party responsible for the death.
Common Wrongful Death Lawsuits Heard in New Jersey
Several types of wrongful actions can result in a death and then be deemed a wrongful death in New Jersey. Here are a few of the most common types of situations that later lead to wrongful death lawsuits:
- Car accidents
- Intentional violent assaults
- Premises liability accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Overdoses/poisonings
- Boating accidents
- Workplace accidents
You may be entitled to compensation if you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death.
Common Compensation Awarded in Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful deaths often lead to a windfall of losses for the loved ones of the deceased. For that reason, courtrooms in New Jersey often award specific compensation in the form of:
- Medical bills prior to the passing
- Burial costs
- Loss of spousal/parental support
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional pain and suffering
If your loved one suffered catastrophic injuries that resulted in significant pain, distress, and trauma before their passing, then it might be possible to seek out additional relief for the pain and suffering that was caused.
Depending on the level of negligence displayed by the other party, it might also be possible to seek out compensation in the form of punitive damages. These damages are specifically meant to discourage the other person from ever acting so recklessly in the future again.
Steps Involved in a Wrongful Death Claim
If you think your loved one’s death would be considered a wrongful death, then it’s best to talk to a lawyer about your situation. If you have the basis of a case, then you’ll want to start collecting documentation and evidence to prove your claims. From there, you’ll file the paperwork to seek out a wrongful death claim. At The Law Office of Peter Brisken, we will pursue your claim against the negligent party. Take out negotiations, and they may or may not wind up in court unless you provide more details about settlement negotiations.
Are You Ready to Pursue Compensation for a Wrongful Death in New Jersey?
Now, you should have a better understanding of what is considered a wrongful death in the state of New Jersey. If you’re ready to get started, then it’s in your best interests to schedule a consultation with an attorney ASAP.
Fill out this accident form to get in touch with a wrongful death attorney today if you’re in Middlesex County or another New Jersey city. We’ll help you go over your legal options. If we think you have the basis for a case, your attorney will determine whether there is a claim and whether a suit will be filed.