Coping with the loss of a loved one is more difficult than words can describe. It is even more difficult when it is due to another person’s unjust, negligent, or wrongful conduct. The resulting pain and trauma can be difficult to bear alone. Families need time and space to recover and rebuild their lives. Although nothing can take the place of a loved one or completely heal that wound, your family may be able to be compensated when you win a lawsuit.
If you lost a relative due to someone else’s carelessness, hiring a private law firm could be the best first step to take. Grieving families are often unsure about the success of their prospective claims. An attorney with experience is usually able to note important details within the facts of your case that you may not be aware of. Our team of empathetic Piscataway wrongful death lawyers at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can help you seek the compensation you and your family deserve.
What to Know About the Law
Wrongful death laws are designed to provide compensation to the family members of a person who has passed away due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. The New Jersey Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 to 6) and the New Jersey Survival Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3) address this aspect of the law.
The New Jersey Wrongful Death Act allows the decedent’s heirs or dependents to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages resulting from the death. The action must be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. Beneficiaries include the decedent’s spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, or anyone who was dependent on him or her.
The New Jersey Survival Act allows the estate to recover damages that the deceased could have claimed had they survived. Eligible plaintiffs include the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate.
It is essential to remember that the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the individual’s passing. Understanding the intricacies of Piscataway’s wrongful death laws requires the assistance of an experienced attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape for you.
Navigating the Settlement Process
Many personal injury claims settle out of court, meaning that they do not appear before a judge and jury for trial. The parties can work out an agreement amongst themselves. Sometimes, these agreements happen quickly, and sometimes, they can take years.
When someone decides to pursue a settlement, the at-fault party will usually agree to pay an amount to the family or estate. The settlement can help the family pay damages such as the costs of the funeral or any outstanding medical bills, as well as their own pain and suffering.
Many wrongful death cases involve interacting with insurance companies. It is typical for such companies that represent the at-fault party to negotiate on their customer’s behalf. It is important to note that they are dedicated to protecting their own economic assets. That means they typically will offer inadequate settlements to plaintiffs who do not have legal representation, hoping they can pressure victims to settle early for less than they deserve. Do not face insurance companies on your own when you have a wrongful death claim; instead, contact a qualified Piscataway lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.
Contact a Piscataway Wrongful Death Attorney Today
When you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, contacting a lawyer may be one of the last things you want to do. However, you should not handle the difficulties of the legal system on your own. Wrongful death lawsuits can be complex and intense. Call Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today for a free consultation with a Piscataway wrongful death lawyer.
