New Jersey Wrongful Death Lawyer
Unfortunately, when a loved one dies in a tragic accident, without the testimony of the decedent, it often becomes difficult to determine issues such as the cause of the accident and the parties liable for the death. A skilled NJ wrongful death lawyer is critical in these cases. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate all aspects of a NJ wrongful death and can hire the experts necessary to best prove and value your case.
While nothing can compensate adequately for the loss of a loved one, damages for lost wages, medical bills, loss of companionship, hospital, medical, and funeral bills may be sought to help you through the difficult times now and ahead. In some cases, where it is shown that the conduct of the defendant was intentional, malicious, or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded as punishment for the defendant.
According to a recent study of the U.S. Department of Justice, the amount awarded in wrongful death cases is often significant. Where a plaintiff prevailed, half the plaintiffs were awarded at least $961,000. The estimated median awards were above $2 million for product liability and other tort cases and more than $1 million for intentional tort cases. The right New Jersey personal injury attorney can make a difference in not only whether you recover, but also in the amount of your recovery.
NJ wrongful death
Whether a person dies after a slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, in a devastating car accident, or through fatal head and spinal injuries suffered in a fall at work, the result is the same. The lives of families are thrown into chaos and filled with heartache.
Throughout the country, there were 123,706 unintentional injury deaths according to the National Center for Health Statistics, with accidents ranked as the fifth leading cause of death in 2007. In New Jersey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that for 2008 there were 92 fatal occupational injuries.
Data from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) Surveillance System show that falls from elevations were the fourth leading cause of workplace death from 1980 through 1994. The 8,102 deaths due to falls from elevations accounted for 10 percent of all occupational fatalities during this period and an average of 540 deaths per year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 590 traffic fatalities in New Jersey in 2008, with 154 of them caused by alcohol, and 65 related to speed. There were also 135 pedestrian fatalities in 2008.
Compassionate and ardent representation
Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. can provide you with skilled and personalized legal representation for your NJ wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today for a free consultation with a New Jersey injury attorney.
