Wrongful Death Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Legal Options?
A wrongful death claim in Union County is a civil lawsuit filed under the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1) when negligence causes a fatal accident. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides dedicated legal support for families in Elizabeth, Westfield, and across Union County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in New Jersey
In New Jersey, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action distinct from any criminal charges. It is governed by the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.) and the Survivor Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3). These statutes allow specific beneficiaries—typically surviving spouses, children, or parents—to recover financial losses resulting from a loved one’s death caused by another’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. This is not a claim for the deceased’s pain and suffering, but for the economic impact on the survivors, including loss of financial support, companionship, guidance, and household services.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1). Court procedures for filing a fatal accident lawsuit in Union County are handled by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage in Elizabeth.
- Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation: Contact a wrongful death lawyer to review the circumstances of the death, gather initial facts, and identify potentially liable parties.
- Investigation & Preservation of Evidence: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, which may involve accident reconstruction, obtaining police reports, medical records, and securing experienced opinions.
- Filing the Complaint: A formal complaint is filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, naming the responsible parties and stating the legal basis for the negligent death claim.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests to build their respective cases.
- Settlement Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to a jury trial in Elizabeth to determine liability and damages.
Damages in a Union County Wrongful Death Case
In Union County, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can recover compensation for the financial losses suffered by the survivors, calculated under New Jersey law.
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Tangible financial losses | Lost future income and benefits of the deceased, medical and funeral expenses, loss of inheritance. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Intangible losses | Loss of companionship, guidance, care, and consortium for the surviving family members. |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Rarely awarded; requires proof of malicious intent or willful and wanton disregard for safety. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes handling 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the significant sensitivity required in wrongful death matters and provide assertive legal advocacy to help families in Union County seek accountability and financial security during an immensely difficult time.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local results for wrongful death in Union County are not enumerated here, our firm’s extensive litigation experience across personal injury and civil claims forms the foundation of our approach to these serious cases. We meticulously prepare each fatal accident lawsuit to maximize recovery for the families we represent.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County FAQ
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jersey?
Yes, specific beneficiaries can file. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-4, the right to sue belongs to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none exist, siblings or other next of kin may be eligible. A personal representative of the estate must file the lawsuit on behalf of these beneficiaries.
What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in NJ?
Two years. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3) requires a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim permanently, making immediate consultation with a negligent death claim lawyer critical.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
It depends on what is being compensated. A wrongful death claim (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1) seeks damages for the losses suffered by the surviving family members. A survival action (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3) continues a claim the deceased could have brought if they had lived, such as for pain and suffering between injury and death. Both are often filed together.
How are damages calculated in a fatal accident lawsuit?
Damages are based on financial impact. Calculations include the deceased’s projected future earnings, the value of lost services (like childcare or home maintenance), medical and funeral expenses, and non-economic losses like loss of companionship and guidance. experienced economists and actuaries are often used to establish these values.
Can I sue if there is also a criminal case?
Yes. A criminal prosecution and a civil wrongful death lawsuit are separate. A criminal case is brought by the state to punish the wrongdoer. A civil lawsuit is filed by the family to recover financial compensation. The outcome of one does not legally determine the outcome of the other, though evidence may overlap.
Related Practice Areas: If you are dealing with other legal matters in Union County, our firm also assists with business law, civil litigation, and contract disputes.
More New Jersey Help: For broader information, visit our New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer hub page, or see our pages for Bergen County and Burlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.