Jersey City Attorneys Are Ready to Redress Loss of a Loved One

Compassionate counsel skilled at bringing wrongful death lawsuits in New Jersey

A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed to seek just compensation when someone’s negligent, reckless or willful act ends the life of a loved one. As a survivor, you stand in the stead of the decedent, vindicating the rights he or she would have pursued if still alive. At Miller, Meyerson & Corbo in Jersey City, we are guided by compassion as we pursue such cases, understanding that no amount of money can ever make up for your loss. Nevertheless, we apply all of our skill and experience in pursuing a strategy best calculated to produce the maximum recovery available.

Experienced firm sues on behalf of victims’ estates and survivors

When negligence or bad acts lead to an untimely death, the decedent’s estate is owed damages. Often, a victim who initially survived a car accident or other severe mishap ends up passing away. Whatever personal injury claims could have been asserted by the person while alive are deemed to have survived his or her death. Under New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act and Survival Statute, those claims can be pursued by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate — such as the executor or administrator. This is known as a survivor action.

However, families also suffer direct emotional as well as financial harm — especially if their loved one was the breadwinner — and may bring their own lawsuit, known as a wrongful death action. In addition, whatever damages are recovered in a survivor action usually are distributed to the family: spouse and children first, other close relatives second if no spouse or children are present.

We represent estate representatives as well as surviving families in survival and wrongful death cases.

Knowledgeable lawyers pursue full extent of damages recoverable

If a person who was supporting their family is now deceased due to the wrongful conduct of another, his or her lost potential income is recoverable as damages. Other types of expenses that may be compensated include:

• Loss of companionship, care, comfort and guidance;
• Loss of household services, like cleaning and childcare;
• Reasonable medical, funeral, burial expenses.

What is not compensable is the pain and suffering of the deceased or emotional damages suffered by the family. However, a creative legal solution may be possible if the family sues for negligent infliction of emotional distress — a separate claim entirely.

The time limit to bring a claim is within two years of the death. However, if the death resulted from murder or manslaughter, the action may be brought at any time.

Contact experienced New Jersey attorneys when pursuing a wrongful death or survival claim

Miller, Meyerson & Corbo has lawyers who are passionate about pursuing justice for families who have lost loved ones due to the carelessness or wrongful conduct of others. We will fight for compensation, and employ creative legal strategies, to get your family what they deserve. To schedule a consultation in Jersey City or in surrounding areas, call 201-333-9000 or contact us online.