Asbury Park Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a loved one is always devastating, but when their death is caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another, the emotional toll is compounded with anger, confusion, and often financial hardship. If you’ve lost a family member due to negligence in Asbury Park or the surrounding areas, the compassionate and experienced team at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC is here to help.
Our Asbury Park wrongful death lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and the sensitive nature of your loss. We are committed to providing you with personalized legal representation and guiding you through the process of seeking justice for your loved one.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Under New Jersey law, wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another’s intentional act, negligence, or recklessness. Wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions can result in devastating injuries, especially when caused by negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Medical Malpractice: When healthcare providers fail to deliver appropriate care, misdiagnose conditions, or make surgical errors, it can result in fatal consequences.
- Workplace Accidents: Occupational accidents, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, can lead to fatal injuries if safety standards are ignored.
- Defective Products: Defective or malfunctioning products can cause catastrophic harm, including fatal injuries.
- Premises Liability: Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe. Fatal accidents can occur when this duty is neglected, such as falls due to unsafe conditions.
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members or representatives of the deceased person’s estate can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm caused by the loss of their loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Asbury Park?
In New Jersey, only certain individuals are permitted to file a wrongful death claim. These typically include:
- Spouses: A surviving spouse has the right to file a wrongful death claim, as they are typically the most directly affected by the loss.
- Children: Children of the deceased, whether they are minors or adults, are entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Parents: If the deceased did not have a spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file a claim.
- Estate Representatives: A person appointed to represent the deceased’s estate may also file a claim on behalf of surviving family members.
If you are a member of the deceased’s immediate family or have been appointed as the estate representative, you may have the right to seek compensation for your loss. The experienced Asbury Park wrongful death lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can help you understand your eligibility and options.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, lost wages, and other financial contributions the deceased would have made. For instance, if the deceased was a primary breadwinner, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the future income they would have earned.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the pain and suffering of the deceased prior to their death and the emotional anguish suffered by surviving family members, including loss of companionship, guidance, and support. Non-economic damages reflect the profound emotional impact of the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or malicious intent, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are intended to send a message that wrongful conduct will not be tolerated.
At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we strive to ensure that your family is fairly compensated for both the tangible and intangible losses resulting from your loved one’s wrongful death.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Asbury Park?
Under New Jersey’s statute of limitations, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. However, the sooner you consult with a lawyer, the better, as evidence can fade over time, and witnesses may become difficult to locate. Additionally, filing promptly allows for a more effective and thorough investigation into the cause of death.
Why Choose Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC
Experience, dedication, and empathy are key when handling wrongful death cases. At Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, we are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to families in Asbury Park and throughout New Jersey. Some reasons to choose our firm include:
- Experienced Lawyers: Our wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience in handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. We understand the nuances of New Jersey law and have a track record of securing favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients.
- Compassionate Support: We understand that this is a difficult time for your family. We offer compassionate and supportive guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you are treated with respect and care.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of successfully obtaining compensation for clients in wrongful death cases. We are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and fighting for the justice your family deserves.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation. We aim to make legal representation accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation.
Contact Our Experienced Asbury Park Wrongful Death Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Today
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligent or intentional act, you deserve justice. The Asbury Park wrongful death lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC are here to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Call 732-920-8383 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.