Accomplished New Jersey Lawyer Handles Wrongful Death Claims

New Brunswick attorney pursues justice in cases stemming from fatal negligence

Under New Jersey law, legal relief is available when a fatality is caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of someone besides the victims. Bereaved family members sometimes are not sure what steps to take after suffering a tragic loss, but John VR. Strong, Jr. in New Brunswick offers comprehensive legal support. Mr. Strong is a Board-certified attorney with more than 40 years of experience serving clients in Middlesex, Somerset and Mercer counties, as well as other New Jersey locations. Our firm can guide you through each step of the legal process as you look to hold the liable parties accountable for the death of a loved one.

Skillful litigator takes on all types of wrongful death cases

Our firm handles a complete range of wrongful death matters, including actions related to the following:

• Vehicle collisions — After fatal accidents, we pursue a measure of relief from defendants and their insurance companies so that families can address the financial aspect of their loss.
• Medical negligence — When someone dies due to a misdiagnosis, surgical error or some other form of medical negligence, our firm brings in medical experts to identify where professional standards were breached.
• Defective products — If someone you love dies because a product did not work as it should or because the manufacturer failed to warn of a serious hazard, we conduct a thorough investigation to establish the defendant’s liability.
• Workplace accidents — Along with workers’ compensation death benefits, surviving family members might be able to obtain additional payment if a third party (not the victim’s employer or co-worker) contributed to a deadly workplace accident.
• Unsafe premises — An unsafe walking surface, inadequate lighting or lack of security could trigger a fatal incident involving a guest on someone else’s premises.

No matter what led up to a wrongful death, our firm is dedicated to helping clients obtain a legal resolution that will help them move forward.

Legal elements of a wrongful death case

In a New Jersey wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must be the personal representative for the decedent’s estate, but compensation recovered through a verdict or settlement goes to the victim’s surviving family members. Most wrongful death actions stem from a fatality caused by the negligence of a defendant, such as a careless driver or a medical provider who fails to follow professional standards. During these matters, we work to establish that the defendant violated their duty of care to the victim and that the violation caused the victim’s death. We also handle claims where a wrongful death resulted from a defendant’s criminal misconduct.

Damages available in a wrongful death action

Nothing can replace a lost loved one, but there are specific types of damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death claim under state law, including reimbursement of funeral expenses, replacement of the income that the decedent would have been expected to earn during their lifetime and compensation for companionship, care and household services that the victim provided. If the victim incurred bills for medical treatment associated with their fatal injury before passing away, those costs are recoverable in a wrongful death claim as they would be in a personal injury action, had the decedent lived. We understand how difficult the weeks and months after an untimely loss can be emotionally and pursue appropriate financial compensation while you grieve for your loved one.

Contact a New Jersey attorney for a free consultation about a wrongful death action

John VR. Strong, Jr. in New Brunswick advises estate representatives and surviving family members on wrongful death claims. Our firm serves clients from Middlesex, Somerset and Mercer counties, as well as other parts of New Jersey. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation, call 732-979-2166 or contact us online. Se habla español.