When a family member’s life is cut short, the shock is followed by urgent, unfamiliar decisions. Medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income pile up while insurers and corporate defendants move quickly to protect themselves. ASK Law Firm LLC can step in immediately, protect your rights, and build a strategic case for accountability and compensation.
At ASK Law Firm, strategy isn’t a slogan—it’s how we work. Like chess, wrongful death litigation requires foresight, positioning, and decisive moves. Our attorneys think several steps ahead to secure evidence early, calculate full economic losses, and negotiate from strength. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of another’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act allows recovery for the financial (pecuniary) losses suffered by the heirs who depended on the decedent.
In New Jersey, the lawsuit is brought by the personal representative (executor/administrator) for the benefit of the decedent’s heirs at law (the people who would take the decedent’s personal property if there were no will). Awards are for those beneficiaries—not part of the estate for general distribution.
Loss of the decedent’s financial support and household services
Funeral and burial expenses
Certain medical expenses related to the fatal injury
New Jersey limits wrongful death damages to pecuniary losses. Emotional grief damages are not part of a wrongful death claim in NJ.
Punitive damages are not available under New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act. However, they may be available through a related Survival Act claim (brought by the estate) where the decedent suffered before death, depending on the facts. We evaluate both claims together to maximize recovery.
Most New Jersey wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. There are narrow exceptions (e.g., certain homicide cases). Act quickly so evidence is preserved.
Secure and preserve critical evidence (vehicles, black-box data, product samples, surveillance, 911 audio, scene photos).
Notify insurers and adverse parties to stop direct contact with your family.
Open the estate or appoint a personal representative if needed.
Identify every at-fault party (drivers, employers, product makers, property owners, medical providers).
Work with economists to quantify lifetime lost earnings, benefits, and household services.
Coordinate wrongful death and survival claims to pursue all available damages under NJ law.
Present a fully documented demand to insurers.
File suit in the appropriate New Jersey court if settlement isn’t fair and move aggressively through discovery and expert testimony.
Prepare for trial while exploring resolution that meets your family’s needs.
No fee unless we win. We advance the costs of experts and litigation; you owe nothing unless we recover for you.
Do not discuss the case with insurers before you have counsel.
Preserve evidence: keep bills, pay stubs, photos, clothing, medical records, and any correspondence.
Note key timelines: date of death, medical providers involved, employer information, and potential witnesses.
Call ASK Law Firm for a free, confidential case evaluation. We can meet by phone, video, or in person at our Middlesex County office.
The decedent’s personal representative (executor or administrator) files the claim on behalf of eligible heirs (next of kin). Recoveries are for those beneficiaries’ pecuniary losses.
A wrongful death claim compensates the family’s financial losses. A survival action belongs to the estate and seeks damages the decedent could have claimed if they had lived—such as conscious pain and suffering and certain medical bills. We typically file both when supported by evidence.
Lost financial support, loss of household services, and funeral/burial and related medical expenses are common categories. Non-economic grief damages are not included in NJ wrongful death claims.
Not under the Wrongful Death Act itself. Depending on the facts (e.g., egregious conduct), punitive damages may be considered via a survival claim. We will analyze whether that applies in your case.
Generally two years from the date of death, with limited exceptions for specified criminal homicides. Contact us promptly so we can meet all deadlines and preserve evidence.
Usually yes—an executor or administrator must be appointed to bring the claim. We guide families through that process and handle court filings.
New Jersey courts allocate recoveries among beneficiaries based on their financial dependence and circumstances. We present economic analyses to support a fair distribution.
Consultations are free. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for your family.
Strategic, forward-thinking advocacy: We plan the case like a chessboard—always positioning you one step ahead.
Local experience: Regular practice across Middlesex County and surrounding courts.
Multifaceted strength: In addition to personal injury and wrongful death, our litigation team handles complex business and insurance disputes—useful when claims involve corporate defendants or layered insurance.
Compassion + communication: You’ll have direct access to your legal team and clear, timely updates.
Middlesex County Office (near Old Bridge Township)
Aspen Corporate Park II
1460 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 301
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
(862) ASK-FIRM | (732) 494-3600
info@asklawfirm.com
Bergen County Office
15 Warren St., Suite 20
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 354-4999
info@asklawfirm.com
New York
11 Broadway, Suite 615
New York, NY 10004
(212) 202-6130
info@asklawfirm.com
Pennsylvania
4050 Skyron Drive, Suite A14
Doylestown, PA 18902
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
We’re ready to protect your family’s future and hold the responsible parties accountable.
