Losing a loved one is never easy. Whether that person died as a result of another person’s intentional action, recklessness, or negligence, there may be a civil remedy available to that person’s estate.
While not every death caused by the actions of another person is illegal in the criminal law sense, the civil branch of the law may afford that person’s family some manner of recourse. There are, however, strict rules governing who can bring the suit and what damages they may recover.
A Burlington County wrongful death lawyer can represent the estates of deceased family members in suits to recover damages stemming from the intentional acts or negligence of others. If a loved one has died a negligent death, get in touch with a compassionate attorney today.
Wrongful Death Laws in New Jersey
All civil actions brought for wrongful death in New Jersey are pursued under the Wrongful Death Statute in NJ Stat 2A:31-1 et al. Section 1 places liability on the person who caused the injury that resulted in death.
The statutes continue to state that the only people who can file the suit are the executor of the deceased person’s estate, or if the person died intestate, by an administrator appointed ad prosequendum. This is a person appointed by the court to pursue the claim.
The only people eligible to receive damages from the case are the family members of the deceased person, essentially, those to whom the deceased person’s will bequeaths property. This is usually a surviving spouse, children, or even parents. A Burlington County wrongful death lawyer can help family members pursue damages.
The types of damages that an estate can claim include pecuniary damages (damages for lost income and support), medical bills related to the injury causing death, and funeral expenses. There are no punitive, or punishment payments, available in New Jersey.
One other aspect to keep in mind is the statute of limitations, which is defined as a time limit that a plaintiff has to file a claim in court. For the vast majority of wrongful death cases, this limit is two years.
Criminal vs. Civil Law
There are two branches of law that exist in the American legal system: criminal and civil. Criminal law is very limited and exists solely for the prosecution of people accused of violating the criminal code. All other aspects of law are considered civil cases, including wrongful death suits.
When criminal charges are considered in tandem with wrongful deaths, this can include charges of murder, manslaughter, or even death resulting from a car accident. What is important to remember, is that any criminal case connected to the death of a person will be considered separately from any civil action.
Even if a person is tried for a crime and found to be innocent, they may still be sued for damages by the person’s estate. The opposite is also true. Conviction of a criminal offense may be evidence admitted into a civil trial, but a civil jury may still, under rare circumstances, find the defendant not guilty.
Talk to a Burlington County Wrongful Death Attorney Today
The loss of a loved one is a very difficult time and can be devastating. On top of the emotional pain and trauma of enduring the defendant’s possible criminal trial, the family of the deceased can often face financial troubles due to the loss of income from the deceased.
New Jersey allows the family members of a person killed by another person’s intentional act or negligence to bring a suit for wrongful death. This can allow the estate of the deceased to collect damages for medical bills and funeral costs as well as compensation for lost wages and future earnings.
A Burlington County wrongful death lawyer can represent the estates of the deceased to obtain the compensation that they deserve due to their family member’s wrongful death. Regardless of any criminal proceedings, the people responsible for your loved one’s death may still be civilly liable, contact a lawyer today.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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