No matter who you are, when a family member is lost in a sudden accident, the consequences can be overwhelming, and if the accident could have been avoided or if the deceased was the head of the household, the results can get even worse. In the blink of an eye, a family’s entire world goes upside down, and trying to pick up the pieces afterwards is often too much to bear. There are, however, certain options you can take to help ease this painful transition, and one of them is to contact a wrongful death lawyer and pursue a legal claim to get your family the compensation they deserve.
Peter Davis & Associates is a personal injury law firm in Paterson, New Jersey with many years of experience in the legal profession and intimate knowledge of how difficult it can be dealing with a wrongful death in the family. We also know that having qualified legal counsel at your side could be the difference between nothing and a fair settlement, so we are offering the information listed below to help you decide if pursuing a wrongful death case is in your best interest.
About Wrongful Death Cases
If you are thinking about pursuing a wrongful death case in Paterson, there are some rules and regulations you should know. First, if you are going to file a suit in New Jersey, you should be aware of the statute of limitations which covers two years after the death. Wait any longer and the court will not hear the case. You should also understand that wrongful deaths refer only to deaths caused by the actions or inactions of another individual or company.
If your case meets these broad requirements, you might be able to bring it to the attention of a professional wrongful death lawyer. At this point, your legal counsel might recommend that you enter New Jersey’s civil court system.
Damages Available to You
Determining what damages are available to you depends on the circumstances behind the deceased’s death and the resultant expenses incurred. This will include hospital costs due to the injuries sustained in the accident, funeral costs and any lost wages. If the deceased was the head of the household, these damages will only grow bigger. New Jersey also allows claimants to sue for loss of companionship and household services (i.e. childcare and cleaning).
When it comes to who exactly is awarded the damages, the surviving spouse and children come first. If there is no surviving spouse or child, the parents of the deceased will be allotted damages, and if there are no parents, it falls to the deceased’s siblings, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The costs of a wrongful death often threaten to engulf you entirely, but it does not have to be impossible to deal with. By having a professional wrongful death lawyer from Peter Davis & Associates on your side, you are guaranteeing yourself fair representation against individuals and insurance companies looking to add to your pain. To learn more about what you should do in the event of a wrongful death, contact one of our representatives today for help.