Cherry Hill Wrongful Death Lawyers
When a family member dies due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, the emotional devastation is immeasurable. Beyond the grief, families often face overwhelming financial challenges from medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. At Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York, our Cherry Hill wrongful death lawyers dedicate themselves to helping families seek justice and compensation during these painful times. With decades of combined experience representing New Jersey families, we provide compassionate legal representation while vigorously pursuing the accountability your loved one deserves.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim may arise when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In New Jersey, these cases result from scenarios like automobile accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, or premises liability situations.
For a successful wrongful death claim, several elements must be established.
- First, there must be proof that the death resulted from another’s negligence or intent to cause harm.
- Second, this negligence must be directly connected to the death.
- Third, the death must have financial impacts on surviving family members.
Our Cherry Hill wrongful death lawyers carefully analyze each case to determine if these requirements are met and develop appropriate legal strategies accordingly.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file wrongful death claims. This representative is typically named in the will or appointed by the court if no will exists. While the representative initiates the legal action, they do so on behalf of the deceased’s survivors and dependents who suffered financial losses.
Compensation from wrongful death claims is distributed to specific surviving family members according to state law. These typically include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased, with distribution based on their level of dependency on the deceased person.
What Compensation Is Available in Wrongful Death Cases?
Our Cherry Hill wrongful death lawyers work meticulously to document and quantify all recoverable damages to seek appropriate compensation for your family’s losses. New Jersey law allows for recovery of various ‘economic’ damages in wrongful death cases. These include hospital and medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, funeral and burial costs, lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided, and the value of household services the deceased would have performed. Additionally, New Jersey permits recovery for “loss of companionship, care, guidance, and advice” through what is called a “survival action” that can be filed alongside the wrongful death claim. This addresses the ‘non-economic’ losses family members experience.
Unlike some states, however, New Jersey does not allow recovery for emotional distress or pain and suffering of surviving family members in the wrongful death action itself.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death, not the date of the event that caused it. This timeframe is strictly enforced, and failing to file within this period typically results in the permanent loss of legal rights to compensation. However, there are limited exceptions that might extend this deadline in specific circumstances, such as when the cause of death was not immediately discovered or in cases involving government entities, which may have shorter notice requirements. Because these time constraints are so significant, consulting with our Cherry Hill wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible after a loss is strongly recommended.
What Is the Process for a Wrongful Death Case?
The process begins with a thorough investigation to establish liability and document damages. This involves collecting evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and sometimes expert opinions. Once sufficient evidence is gathered, a formal complaint is filed in court, initiating the lawsuit.
After filing, both sides engage in discovery, exchanging information and taking depositions. Many cases resolve through negotiated settlements before trial, but if necessary, our legal team is prepared to present your case before a judge and jury. Throughout this process, which typically takes one to three years, we keep you informed and involved in all major decisions. Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York handle the legal aspects with professionalism while remaining attentive to your emotional needs during this difficult journey.
How Are Wrongful Death Lawyers Paid?
At Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York, we represent wrongful death clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only receive payment if we obtain compensation for your family, typically as a percentage of the recovery amount. This fee structure makes legal representation accessible to families regardless of financial circumstances during an already challenging time. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your family.
What Should I Bring to an Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation serves as the foundation for your case, and bringing appropriate documentation helps us evaluate your situation comprehensively. We recommend bringing:
- Death certificate and autopsy report, if available
- Medical records related to the final illness or injury
- Police or incident reports, if applicable
- Insurance policies and any correspondence with insurance companies
- Employment information if pursuing lost income claims
- Funeral and burial expense documentation
- Photographs or other evidence related to the incident
- Names and contact information for potential witnesses
Each case has unique angles, so additional documents might be helpful depending on your specific circumstances. If you cannot locate certain items, do not worry—our legal team can help you obtain necessary records once representation begins.
Contact the Cherry Hill Wrongful Death Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York for Compassionate Legal Support
The loss of a loved one changes everything. While no legal action can truly compensate for such a profound loss, holding responsible parties accountable can provide financial stability and a measure of justice. The compassionate Cherry Hill wrongful death lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York offer legal prowess and genuine empathy during this difficult time. For a free consultation, call us at 856-843-8990 or complete our online form. Located in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.