Wrongful Death Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Legal Options?
A wrongful death claim in Bergen County is a civil lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1, allowing survivors to seek damages for a death caused by another’s negligence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for families in Hackensack and across Bergen County. You need a dedicated wrongful death lawyer Bergen County to handle the demanding legal process and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Statutes Title 2A
In New Jersey, a wrongful death is defined by statute as a death caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have entitled the deceased person to bring a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. The claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of the surviving beneficiaries, which typically include a spouse, children, or parents. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to these sensitive and demanding cases.
Legal Standards and Court Process for Wrongful Death Claims
The key to a successful wrongful death lawsuit in Bergen County is proving that the death was proximately caused by the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Damages are intended to compensate survivors for their financial and emotional losses, which can include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, guidance, and care, and funeral expenses. These cases are filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack.
- Consult with a wrongful death lawyer Bergen County to evaluate the viability of your claim and identify all potentially liable parties.
- Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and experienced witness opinions to establish liability.
- A Notice of Claim may be required if a government entity is involved, followed by the filing of a formal complaint in Superior Court.
- The case proceeds through discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and take depositions, often skilled to settlement negotiations or mediation.
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare to present your case at a trial before a Bergen County jury.
Damages and Compensation in a Fatal Accident Lawsuit
In Bergen County, a wrongful death claim can seek compensation for financial losses, emotional suffering, and punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct.
New Jersey law allows for the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in a fatal accident lawsuit. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of the deceased’s expected future income and benefits. Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses suffered by the survivors, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium. In rare cases involving willful misconduct or recklessness, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” With a firm-wide record of over 4,739 documented case results and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%, the firm brings substantial resources and experience to every negligent death claim. The team understands the significant emotional and financial strain a sudden loss places on a family and is committed to handling every legal detail so families can focus on healing.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We represent families in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and surrounding communities. If you are seeking a wrongful death lawyer near the Bergen County Courthouse or elsewhere in the county, we are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. Contact us for a consultation regarding your fatal accident lawsuit or negligent death claim.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Bergen County FAQ
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jersey?
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate files the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries, as defined by N.J.S.A. 2A:31-4.
The beneficiaries are typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none exist, siblings or more distant relatives may be eligible. The personal representative is often named in the will or appointed by the court.
What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in NJ?
Two years from the date of death, as per N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3.
It is critical to consult with a wrongful death lawyer Bergen County promptly. Missing this strict deadline will almost certainly bar your family from ever recovering compensation, regardless of the merits of the case.
What damages are available in a negligent death claim?
Damages can include medical expenses prior to death, funeral costs, loss of future income and benefits, and compensation for the survivors’ emotional pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. The specific calculation depends on the deceased’s circumstances and the relationships of the survivors.
How is a wrongful death case different from a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family members for their own losses. A survival action, governed by N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3, is a separate claim brought by the estate for the pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses the deceased person experienced between the injury and death. Both claims are often pursued together.
Can I sue for wrongful death if the responsible party was criminally charged?
Yes. A criminal case and a civil wrongful death lawsuit are separate proceedings with different standards of proof.
A criminal conviction can help a civil case, but it is not required. Your wrongful death lawyer Bergen County must prove liability by a “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not), which is a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal court.
Additional Resources: For official court information, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage website. Review the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.).
Related Legal Services in Bergen County: If you have other legal needs, our firm also handles business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense in Bergen County. For more information on personal injury law in New Jersey, see our New Jersey personal injury hub page. We also serve families in neighboring counties like Atlantic County and Burlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on wrongful death claims across New Jersey walks through each stage.