New Jersey Wrongful Death Attorneys

Fighting for Those Who Are Grieving the Unexpected Loss of a Loved One in New Jersey

No loss can compare to the death of a loved one. Whatever the circumstances may be, your whole life turns upside down when someone you hold dear passes away unexpectedly. The emotional impact can be devastating, and family finances are often thrown into disarray, as well.

If someone you love tragically passed away as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit and seek monetary compensation for your damages.

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we understand how painful these claims are—and just how important they can be to those left behind. We put our years of experience to work for you and your family so that this painful time isn’t more difficult than it needs to be. Our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers can meet with you to explain how the law applies to your loved one’s estate, what is required to proceed, and what you stand to recover.

We will devote our time and attention to the case so that you can focus on what matters most: healing and spending time with your loved ones.

Contact us online or call (973) 358-6134 to schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death attorney in New Jersey. We are available 24/7 and can assist you in English, Spanish, Polish, or Italian.

Choose a Team You Can Trust

A Multi-Generational Legacy of Success
Committed & Passionate Advocacy
Always Available & Accessible To Our Clients
Personalized Attention & Curated Legal Plans
Hundreds of Millions Recovered For Our Clients
Capable of Handling a Wide Variety of Case Types

Why Choose Us?

When you work with DeZao & DeZao, P.C., you benefit from a law firm with deep roots in the New Jersey community and decades of steady results for grieving families. Our team’s commitment stretches beyond recovering compensation. We limit our caseload so that each client receives individual attention and guidance through every step, a distinction that allows us to focus on delivering a personalized legal experience. As a multi-generational family-run practice, we offer a long-term perspective and stability for clients in Morris, Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties, and across New Jersey.

We know that the death of a loved one creates urgent questions and immediate stress. By remaining available 24/7, speaking multiple languages, and providing clients with direct attorney access, we make a complicated process more manageable for families from all backgrounds. Our proven track record—built on word-of-mouth referrals rather than awards—makes us a trusted choice in complex wrongful death claims. With knowledge of local courts and procedures, a history of trial-readiness, and established relationships with regional institutions, we are prepared to advocate in even the most challenging situations. Our approach reflects a lasting commitment to helping New Jersey families pursue justice, closure, and recovery during the hardest times of their lives.

"Guided me through the legal processes necessary to my case with clear and open communication!"
“Guided me through the legal processes necessary to my case with clear and open communication. My confidence never wavered with DeZao & DeZao.”

- Brandon W.
"I can’t express how grateful we are to have had them by our side the entire time!"
“DeZao Law and their Associates helped my wife and I through a difficult time recently. From the very first call we made to them , right through to the very last detail of our case , they were responsive , helpful , thoughtful , extremely professional and always pleasant. They were available at all times and reached out to us often to check in and see how we were doing throughout the entire process. I can’t express how grateful we are to have had them by our side the entire time. They came through exactly as they had promised at the very beginning. We Absolutely recommend them to anyone who is in a situation where you’re not sure if you need representation or not. Give them a call. You will not regret it. Stellar review all around.”

- Sean T.
"My experience with DeZao Law Firm was spectacularly positive!"
“My experience with DeZao Law Firm was spectacularly positive. I worked directly with Anthony DeZao, as well as with Megan McRoy. They both kept in touch with me every step of the way to let me know how the case was progressing. I trusted them with every decision that they made, and would recommend them without reservation for any additional legal help or guidance that I might need in the future.”

- Barbara G.

The Wrongful Death Claims Process in New Jersey

Pursuing a wrongful death claim in New Jersey follows a clear process shaped by specific state laws and county court procedures. Once you contact an attorney, your first step involves gathering important documents, such as death certificates, accident reports, medical documentation, and information about your loved one’s relationship to survivors or beneficiaries. The personal representative of the estate—most often a spouse, parent, or child—initiates the formal claim. Attorneys then investigate the circumstances, build the case, and consult with professionals familiar with New Jersey legal standards to prepare the most effective claim for court or negotiation.

Following the initial review, your legal team works to identify who may be held liable and all available sources of recovery. The process often includes communication with insurance companies and, in some cases, filing a lawsuit in county court—commonly in Morris County Superior Court or the venue where the incident occurred. Negotiations may result in a settlement, but if the issue remains unresolved, the case may proceed to trial. Every stage is subject to strict New Jersey deadlines, and proactive action by the personal representative is crucial to preserve the right to compensation. Throughout the process, families benefit from clear communication and guidance about what to expect during depositions, hearings, and, if needed, a trial. By understanding this sequence, clients can anticipate the major steps and approach the process with more confidence.

Our firm’s experience in Morris, Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties helps ensure that local families never face the claims process alone. We guide clients at every stage, from the initial call to the final resolution.

Understanding New Jersey's Wrongful Death Statute

“Wrongful death” is a legal doctrine that allows certain family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies as a result of someone else’s negligence. It is a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal charge and provides grieving family members with an important avenue for recourse and support following a sudden loss.

If you or your family is suffering as a result of a wrongful death, call the experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyers at DeZao & DeZao, P.C.. In most cases, you only have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, so you should not delay. If the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to recover any compensation for your damages.

When Is a Death Considered “Wrongful?”

The state of New Jersey defines wrongful death as the death of an individual resulting from “a wrongful act, neglect, or default” (N.J. Stat. § 2A:31-1). This includes fatal negligence-based accidents and incidents, as well as medical malpractice and intentional acts of violence, including crimes.

Ordinarily, only an injured person is eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. But when a person dies as a result of an accident or the negligence of another, they are unable to do so. Therefore, surviving family members—or estate representatives—are permitted to bring legal action on behalf of the person who has died, also known as the “decedent.”

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases often arise from the following types of events:

The goal of wrongful death claims is to compensate family members who have suffered emotionally and monetarily as a result of their loss. After all, children, spouses, and even parents often rely on income, love, and other kinds of support from loved ones. When that support becomes unavailable because of someone else’s negligence, those family members are entitled to compensation.

How to Prove Wrongful Death

To succeed in bringing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, the death must be considered “wrongful.” In this context, “wrongful” essentially means “caused by negligence, default, or unlawful conduct.” The family must be able to prove that the defendant’s actions or inaction caused the death.

Our New Jersey wrongful death attorneys at DeZao & DeZao, P.C. can help prove the following elements of your wrongful death claim:

The defendant owed your loved one, the decedent, a duty of care
The defendant failed to uphold or breached the duty of care
Your loved one died as a result of the defendant’s actions or inactions
You and/or the decedent’s estate have suffered losses, or “damages,” as a result of the death

Note that your loved one’s death need not have been intentional or even criminal to qualify as a wrongful death in New Jersey. However, it is possible to bring a separate civil lawsuit against an individual or liable party who intentionally caused the death of your family member. This is true regardless of whether the defendant is charged with or convicted of manslaughter, homicide, murder, or a related crime.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in New Jersey?

The rules about who can and can’t sue for wrongful death vary from state to state. In New Jersey, wrongful death actions must be filed by the personal representative of the estate. Personal representatives are most often the spouse, child, or parent of the decedent. However, if the decedent died without naming a personal representative, the court will appoint one.

Although the personal representative must be the one to file the wrongful death lawsuit, damages are sought on behalf of eligible family members.

Generally speaking, this includes but is not limited to the decedent’s surviving:

Spouse or domestic partner
Children
Grandchildren
Parents or legal guardians
Siblings
Nieces and nephews
Descendants and/or heirs

Additionally, anyone who was dependent on the decedent in life may be entitled to recover compensation for damages in a wrongful death case if they can prove that they have suffered losses as a result of the individual’s death.

Our wrongful death attorneys in NJ can provide clear legal counsel based on the specific details of your situation. We offer free initial consultations with absolutely no obligation. During this consultation, you can discuss your case with an attorney, have your questions answered, and obtain more information on how you can proceed.

What Damages Are Available in Wrongful Death Cases?

New Jersey wrongful death law allows surviving family members to recover financial compensation for certain losses related to the death.

These include, but are not limited to:

The loss of companionship
Lost inheritance
Funeral and/or burial expenses
Medical bills related to the decedent’s final treatment and care
Loss of household support (maintenance, chores, childcare, etc.)
The decedent’s loss of future earnings and job benefits
The family’s lost care, guidance, advice, or support

These are just a few examples. The amount of recovery available will depend on the facts of the case. Remember that purely emotional claims (such as “mental anguish”) are generally not entitled to compensation. Rather, there must usually be some economic dimension to the loss claimed, though there are exceptions.

Additionally, punitive damages are sometimes awarded as punishment for the defendant if his or her conduct was especially egregious. Also known as “exemplary damages,” punitive damages are relatively rare. An attorney at our firm can review your case and help you understand the types of damages you may be entitled to receive, as well as the potential overall value of your case.

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

What Is a “Survival Action?”

If your loved one suffered injuries and related damages between the time of the defendant’s negligence and the time of the death, New Jersey law allows the family or the estate to seek recovery for the cost of those injuries. This is known as a “survival action.”

In New Jersey, a survival action allows the decedent’s estate and/or family members to recover compensation for financial losses related to medical care experienced by the decedent prior to death when those losses were caused by the defendant’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

This includes all expenses related to reasonable and necessary medical care, such as:

Hospital and ambulance fees
Surgeries and other treatments
Medications
Medical equipment
And more

Local Resources for Grieving Families in New Jersey

Numerous organizations in New Jersey are available to support families who have experienced a tragic loss. The New Jersey Right to Life organization provides emotional and counseling support without charge to families in mourning, while the Family Service League offers grief support groups designed to help individuals navigate their emotions in safe, comforting environments. Engaging with these resources can offer solace in times of need.

Moreover, understanding the various available support forms can be incredibly valuable when dealing with wrongful death. Local community centers often host grief counseling sessions, providing a platform for sharing experiences and healing collectively. These resources ensure that families do not face the emotional and financial challenges of losing a loved one alone, reinforcing community bonds and offering much-needed comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death

What Steps Should I Take After a Loved One's Wrongful Death?

As difficult as it may be, gathering evidence related to the wrongful death is crucial. Documentation such as medical records, photographs of the scene, and witness contact information can be invaluable. Consult a wrongful death attorney promptly to understand your legal rights and options. Timely action is essential, as wrongful death claims in New Jersey typically must be filed within two years.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Wrongful Death Claim?

The timeline for resolving a wrongful death claim in New Jersey can vary significantly based on case complexity, the amount of available evidence, and court schedules. While some claims might settle in a few months, others could take years if they go to trial. Early legal intervention can help manage timelines efficiently.

How Can a Lawyer Assist in a Wrongful Death Case?

A qualified wrongful death lawyer provides invaluable assistance by conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and navigating the complex legal procedures of wrongful death claims. They ensure your claim is filed correctly, adhere to all legal timelines, and negotiate settlements that align with the family's best interests.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorney in New Jersey Today

Families are often too shocked by an unexpected death to fully realize its financial impact. However, hospital bills, medical expenses, funeral costs, and other unexpected financial challenges can quickly add up. These costs are very real, and they can be devastating for surviving loved ones and families.

If your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence or unlawful conduct, you don’t deserve to shoulder these costs alone.

The truth is that a wrongful death lawsuit can’t bring your loved one back, and it isn’t enough to heal a hurting heart, but with our help, you can at least ease the financial burden your family will face.

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., your initial consultation is completely free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid for our services if we achieve a monetary recovery on your behalf.

It is our job to maximize your recovery to the fullest extent available under New Jersey law. We understand how important it is that you and your family obtain a fair settlement or verdict, as well as the justice you are owed.

We serve clients in Parsippany, Morris County, Essex County, and throughout New Jersey. Our team assists clients 24/7 and offers services in English, Spanish, Polish, and Italian.

Reach out to our New Jersey wrongful death lawyer today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online.

Meet YOur team

Attorneys That Lead With Experience and Empathy

Our Settlements & Verdicts

$14.1 Million Drunk Driver Accident
$14 Million Drunk Driving Case
$8 Million Motor Vehicle Accident
$3.1 Million Motor vehicle Accident
$3 Million Bus Accident
$2 Million Bus Accident

View Recent Results

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Helping You Move Forward with Confidence

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (973) 358-6134 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from DeZao & DeZao, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy