Help For Families After A Fatal Accident

If you unrepentantly lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be left reeling from grief and emotional loss. You may not even be thinking about the financial strain this death will have on your family.

At R.C. Shea & Associates, we understand that no amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one. However, financial compensation can help relieve the financial pressure you may be feeling.

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death suit is a legal claim for compensation after a fatal accident. In New Jersey, the claim has two parts: a survival action and a wrongful death action.

  • Survival action: The deceased’s estate has a claim for damages incurred before death.
  • Wrongful death action: Surviving family members can pursue compensation for their economic losses.

Your Right To Compensation

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

  • The deceased’s lost lifetime earnings
  • Loss of benefits
  • Funeral expenses
  • Hospital bills incurred after the death
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of love and emotional support

The deceased’s estate can recover the following:

  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Lost wages from the time of the injury up until death
  • Pain and suffering felt by the deceased

Any compensation received by the estate will be distributed according to the deceased’s estate plan or New Jersey intestacy laws.

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer for his or her bad acts and are only awarded when the other party’s conduct was grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional.

How We Can Help

Our lawyers have more than three decades of experience handling injury claims. We handle wrongful death claims with compassion and dedication.

Our attorneys begin each case with a thorough investigation into the accident. We gather all of the facts and evidence and identify all responsible parties. We often work with outside experts — such as forensic accountants, economists and medical professionals — to establish monetary losses.

Put our experience to work for your family.

Learn More About Your Rights

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. Contact our firm to learn more about your rights. Call our Toms River office at 732-505-1212, our Manchester office at 732-408-WILL (9455), our Brick office at 732-451-0800, or call us toll free at 800-556-SHEA (7432). Consultations are free. We will not charge you until we obtain compensation for your loss.

Contact R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law