New Jersey Wrongful Death Lawyers

Helping Families Seek Justice & Compensation

When a loved one is taken from us too soon, the pain and grief can be overwhelming. The emotional toll can be even worse when you know that your family member’s death could and should have been prevented.

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we have dedicated our practice to helping the surviving loved ones of those who have died as a result of negligence. We understand that no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but we also know that it can be a critical part of the healing process. If you have lost a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional losses you have suffered.

Call (800) 817-5029 or contact us online today to discuss your case with one of our New Jersey wrongful death attorneys at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC.

What Is a “Wrongful Death”?

Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation in which a person dies as a result of another person or party’s negligent, careless, dangerous, or wrongful conduct. In other words, if your loved one would have had grounds to file a personal injury claim had they survived, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death is a legal term, not a medical term. Wrongful death claims can arise out of any number of situations, including:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Premises liability accidents
• Defective products
• Medical malpractice
• Dangerous drugs
• Nursing home abuse

These are just a few examples. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident or due to any type of negligence, reach out to our wrongful death lawyers in New Jersey to learn more about your rights and options.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in NJ?

In New Jersey, only certain individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Generally speaking, the decedent’s “heirs” are the ones who have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Heirs in a New Jersey wrongful death case may include:

• Spouses
• Domestic partners
• Children
• Stepchildren
• Parents
• Siblings
• Others who are dependent on the decedent

If the decedent has no surviving heirs, their estate may bring forth a wrongful death claim.

Do I Still Have Time to File a Claim?

Every state has a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. A “statute of limitations” is a legal term that refers to a law that sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you try to file a wrongful death lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover compensation.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. However, there are certain situations in which the statute of limitations may be “toll” (paused) or extended. In any case, it is best to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney in New Jersey as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.

Wrongful Death Caused by Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the most common causes of wrongful death in New Jersey. 

To prove a medical malpractice wrongful death claim, you must be able to show that:

• The medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient
• The medical professional breached the duty of care (i.e., was negligent)
• The patient died
• The patient’s death was caused by the medical professional’s breach of the duty of care

In other words, you must be able to prove that your loved one died as a result of a medical professional’s negligence. This can be extremely difficult, as doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are held to a high standard of care, and even one small mistake can have deadly consequences.

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice and wrongful death cases. We know how to effectively prove that a medical professional acted negligently and that their negligence led to your loved one’s death. Our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers work closely with a team of medical experts and investigators who can help us build a strong case on your behalf.

What Damages Are Available?

No amount of money could ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you need to cover the costs of funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and other losses. It can also help you hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions.

In New Jersey, surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills
• Lost wages, benefits, and other income
• Lost inheritance
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium/loss of companionship
• Emotional distress
• Lost household services

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we understand that no amount of money could ever make up for the loss of your loved one. However, we believe that you should not have to suffer financially because of someone else’s negligence. Our wrongful death lawyers can help you seek the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

Most wrongful death cases are resolved through a settlement, which is an out-of-court agreement between the surviving family members and the at-fault party and/or their insurance company. In a wrongful death settlement, the surviving family members agree to drop their lawsuit in exchange for a certain amount of money.

Settling a wrongful death case can provide a number of benefits, including a faster resolution and less stress and hassle for the surviving family members. However, accepting a settlement offer too early or without the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney can be a big mistake.

Insurance companies are not on your side, and they will do everything they can to minimize their liability. They will often try to get you to accept a settlement that is far less than what you are owed.

Our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers can help you navigate the settlement process and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed. We are skilled negotiators and will work diligently to secure the best possible settlement offer for you. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for you in court.

Our Team Is Here for You

If you have lost a loved one in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. We understand that no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but filing a lawsuit can help you get the justice and closure you deserve. It can also help you recover the financial compensation you need to cover the costs of your loved one’s final medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, and more.

Our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers are here to help you every step of the way. We have a long track record of success in complex, high-stakes wrongful death cases, and we know what it takes to win. You can rely on us to provide you with the personalized, compassionate legal representation you deserve. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns 24/7, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Call our office at (800) 817-5029 or submit an online case evaluation form to get started with a free consultation.