Wrongful Death Attorneys in New Jersey

When a loved one is killed because of someone else’s negligence, the grief is overwhelming — and the consequences are permanent. Funeral costs. Lost income. Legal confusion. And a gnawing sense that the death could have been prevented.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent families in wrongful death lawsuits across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We help you take legal action when a fatal accident, medical mistake, or reckless act changes your life forever. Our goal isn’t just to recover compensation — it’s to make sure your loss is taken seriously, legally and financially.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Death?

Under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity — the kind of act that would have supported a personal injury lawsuit if the victim had survived.

Common examples include:

• Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle fatalities
• Construction or workplace deaths
• Medical malpractice and surgical errors
• Nursing home abuse or neglect
• Defective product deaths
• Assault, homicide, or criminal negligence

The surviving family has the right to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages — even if there is an ongoing criminal case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Jersey?

A wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and legal dependents, typically:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents (if no spouse or children)
• Other financially dependent relatives (in limited cases)

The executor or administrator of the estate typically files the lawsuit. We work closely with families to handle both estate administration and civil litigation as part of a coordinated legal strategy.

Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

New Jersey law allows the recovery of pecuniary (financial) losses, such as:

• Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings
• Medical and funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• Household services the deceased would have provided
• Value of lost benefits (pension, health coverage, etc.)

Unlike other states, New Jersey does not permit punitive damages or compensation for emotional distress in wrongful death claims — but a survival action may recover pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.

We pursue both wrongful death and survival claims where applicable to maximize recovery.

How We Help Families After a Tragic Loss

Wrongful death cases are emotionally charged, legally complex, and often aggressively defended. We:

• Launch independent investigations to preserve evidence
• Work with medical and forensic experts to prove fault
• Identify all responsible parties, including employers, manufacturers, or public agencies
• Calculate future lost earnings and lifetime support
• Handle insurance negotiations and wrongful death litigation
• Coordinate with probate attorneys when necessary

We are trial-ready, but we are also resolution-focused — and always sensitive to the emotional toll these cases take on surviving family members.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wrongful Death in NJ

Is there a deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Yes. In most cases, the statute of limitations in New Jersey is two years from the date of death. There are exceptions for certain government-related claims and when criminal cases are ongoing. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

Do we have to prove intent or just negligence?

Only negligence is required. Intentional acts may also support a wrongful death claim, but most cases involve preventable mistakes — not malice.

Can we sue if the person responsible is also facing criminal charges?

Yes. A civil wrongful death suit is separate from a criminal case. You can sue even if the person is acquitted in criminal court.

Who receives the settlement money in a wrongful death case?

It’s distributed based on the level of dependency and New Jersey’s intestate succession laws. We guide families through that process in coordination with the estate.

How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win — and we front all case expenses.

A Life Was Lost. We Make Sure It’s Taken Seriously.

Wrongful death isn’t just about money — it’s about accountability. It’s about making sure a preventable loss leads to consequences. And it’s about giving your family the resources to move forward.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online to speak with a wrongful death attorney in confidence.