Parsippany Wrongful Death Attorney

Fighting For Those Who Have Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence or Wrongful Actions in New Jersey

The loss of a loved one is devastating, and the pain of that loss is only made worse when you learn that the death was preventable. When a person dies due to the reckless, careless, or negligent actions of another, that person's family is often left with many unanswered questions, financial hardship, and emotional pain.

The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A. is your trusted source for experienced legal representation in wrongful death cases in Parsippany, NJ. Our dedicated team of attorneys understands the devastating impact that the loss of a loved one can have on your life, and we are here to provide compassionate and skilled legal assistance during this challenging time.

Call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation and speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Parsippany today.

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is a death that occurs due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. In New Jersey, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed if the deceased died due to the negligent or malicious actions of another person or entity. 

To establish a wrongful death claim, you must demonstrate that the death was caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party. This could include situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or any other scenario where someone's wrongful conduct led to the death.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may seek various types of damages, including:

• Economic damages: These include the financial losses incurred as a result of the death, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of financial support.
• Non-economic damages: These encompass the emotional and intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance and support.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases where the responsible party's actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment and deterrence.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Some of the most common causes include:

• Car Accidents: Distracted driving, speeding, reckless behavior, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are just a few factors that can turn a simple drive into a tragedy. In cases involving a negligent driver, the surviving family members could have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
• Medical Malpractice: When medical professionals fail to maintain the standard of care expected in their field, the consequences can be deadly. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and failure to provide appropriate treatment can all lead to wrongful death. In these cases, the victim’s family may pursue a lawsuit against the healthcare provider or facility responsible for the negligence.
• Workplace Accidents: Some workplaces, particularly those in construction or industrial settings, carry inherent risks. Fatal accidents on the job can occur due to equipment failure, safety violations, lack of proper training, or exposure to hazardous substances. If an employer’s negligence contributes to an employee’s death, the family could be qualified for compensation through a wrongful death claim.
• Product Liability: Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumer use. Defective products—from automobile parts to household appliances—can lead to fatal accidents. When a product defect, design flaw, or inadequate warning label results in death, the responsible parties, including manufacturers, distributors, or retailers, may be held accountable through a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Premises Liability: Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. Fatal accidents, such as slip and falls, drowning in swimming pools, or structural collapses, may occur if property owners neglect this duty.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a wrongful death claim can typically be filed by certain eligible individuals or parties who have a legal right to pursue such a claim.

These eligible parties typically include:

• The Executor or Personal Representative of the Deceased's Estate: This is often the person appointed by the deceased's will or by the court to manage their estate after their death. The executor or administrator acts on behalf of the estate and any surviving beneficiaries.
• Surviving Spouse: In New Jersey, the surviving spouse has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
• Surviving Children: If there is no surviving spouse, the surviving children of the deceased may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
• Surviving Parents: If there are no surviving spouse or children, the surviving parents of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
• Other Dependents: In some cases, other dependents or beneficiaries who can prove financial dependence on the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Who Is Liable for a Wrongful Death?

In many cases, more than one person or entity is responsible for a wrongful death. If this is the case, you may be able to file a multi-party wrongful death lawsuit in order to hold all parties responsible for the deceased's death accountable.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the individuals and/or entities that may be held liable for a wrongful death include:

• The person or entity that caused the deceased's death
• The deceased's employer, if the death was work-related
• A third party that was involved in the incident that caused the death
• A manufacturer or supplier of a product that caused the death
• A company that failed to provide adequate safety measures, such as a lack of safety rails on stairs
• A party that provided negligent or improper instructions or training

What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in New Jersey?

In the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is normally two years from the date of the person’s death. This means that the claim must be filed within two years to be considered by the court. However, there are some circumstances under which this period could be extended or shortened, depending on specific details of the case. For example, if the death resulted from a criminal act, the statute of limitations could be different.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Parsippany Today

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another, you deserve justice and compensation for your suffering. Our Parsippany wrongful death lawyers at The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A. are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights.

Every wrongful death case is unique, and we approach each one with the individualized attention it deserves. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and tailor our legal strategy accordingly.

Our legal team has a proven track record of successfully handling wrongful death cases in Parsippany and throughout New Jersey. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of these cases and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

Don't wait to seek the legal representation you need. Contact us today at (973) 358-6134 to schedule a free consultation and learn how our Parsippany wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.