The loss of a loved one is always hard to deal with, especially in the immediate aftermath of a tragic accident. Surviving family members and friends are left to wonder what could have been and question how these accidents happened and why.
In cases where a fatal accident or incident could have been avoided, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate not only to provide the grieving family comfort in the form of monetary coverage for related expenses and ongoing financial needs, but also to hold the responsible party accountable for the actions that cost a loved one his or her life.
According to research from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), thousands of people are killed each year as a result of unintentional injuries. Although a large majority of these injuries are caused by accidents, many of these accidents can be avoided had someone taken proper care or exercised the minimum amount of effort to provide safety. In a wrongful death case, unintentional accidents that cause a person’s death could have been avoided.
Unfortunately, wrongful death claims are more common than most people think. Because there are a variety of circumstances that can warrant a wrongful death claim, the legal requirements and regulations vary based on what happened and who is to blame. If you have lost a loved one due to an accident or actions that could have been avoided, it’s important to know how the law may apply to your particular case.
Wrongful Death Causes in New Jersey
There are many scenarios that can lead to accidents and fatal injuries that could constitute grounds for a wrongful death claim. Below are a few of the most common accidents in New Jersey wrongful death claims:
- Car accidents – New Jersey consists of hundreds of intersecting roads and highways that cross the state, and many of these roadways are used to transport millions of drivers each day. But along with millions of drivers comes an increased potential for accidents, especially during peak travel times and bad weather. A distracted, drunk, or otherwise negligent driver can easily cause a traffic collision that could end in the death of a passenger or another driver and result in a wrongful death liability.
- Construction accidents – Our state is a bustling place for tourism and as a result, there’s a great deal of construction that goes on to maintain roadways and vacation spots. But construction comes with risks for workers and drivers navigating blocked roadways, cone-lined paths and sudden detours. Construction workers can be hit and killed by negligent drivers who may be traveling too fast or not paying attention to the signs ahead.
Of course, we know that financial restitution can never make up for the loss of a beloved family member, but it can help ease the burden of a loved one’s sudden passing. Funeral costs, hospitalization and medical expenses and/or the loss of income can be sought in a wrongful death claim.
For more information on wrongful death causes, claims and the state’s laws, contact an attorney at Helmer, Conley, and Kasselman, PA, a New Jersey personal injury law firm, today.
