NJ Child Wrongful Death Lawyers
Proudly serving all of New Jersey
Legal Help for Families After a Fatal Child Accident
The death of a child is incredibly tragic for family members, friends and the community. It is particularly painful for parents who have lost a child as the result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness or wrongdoing. When this happens, the family will have to decide if they would like to pursue financial compensation for their tragic loss. While a wrongful death claim cannot repair their broken hearts or bring their beloved child back, it can hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident and help ease their financial burdens as they grieve.
In addition, holding the wrongdoers accountable can also prevent future incidents from happening and potentially save many young lives. The experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have represented the rights of families that have lost loved ones including children as a result of someone else’s negligence. We can help you get justice and fair compensation for your significant losses.
What is Wrongful Death?
Not every death is considered a wrongful death under the law. The legal phrase “wrongful death” specifically refers fatal injuries caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. For example, when a child is killed in a car accident, it must be determined if the at-fault driver’s negligence contributed to the crash. Was the driver speeding, intoxicated, distracted or otherwise careless? If so, he or she can be held financially responsible for the child’s death with a civil wrongful death claim.
If your son or daughter was taken by the careless actions of another, it is important to understand the role that legal action can play in your journey toward recovery. No amount of money or justice can erase the loss you have suffered, it can, however, provide the answers and support you need as you cope with such a traumatic experience.
If you believe someone else caused your child’s death, contact the compassionate New Jersey child injury lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today to discuss your situation. We have dedicated our careers to helping those who have been harmed through no fault of their own and the loss of a child is a trauma that no one should have to endure alone.
Call (609) 240-0040 or use our Live Chat option to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney today. We are here to listen and will work to protect your legal rights.
Child Fatalities and Wrongful Death
Car accidents are not the only way in which children can suffer fatal injuries because of someone else’s reckless or careless actions. Other examples of child wrongful deaths include:
- Crib deaths – The manufacturers of defective and dangerous cribs, mattresses and crib guards can be held accountable for the deaths their products cause.
- Defective child seats – Some fatal car accidents involve defective car seats that should have prevented the fatal injuries had they worked properly.
- Fatal birth injuries – Doctors, medical professionals and hospital staff can face liability issues for birth injuries that lead to an infant’s death if they acted negligently or failed to act in a timely manner.
- Falls – Property owners must make sure their premises are safe for tenants and visitors. Failing to repair a broken step, for example, can result in a fatal falling accident that could have been prevented. A number of child deaths in New Jersey also happen because of falls from windows that do not have guards.
- Dangerous toy accidents – There are many potentially hazardous toys in the marketplace that are currently under investigation. Defective toys can cause fatal injuries if they are choking hazards or if they have been contaminated and are capable of causing a fatal injury or illness.
- Swimming pool accidents – Swimming pools are among the most dangerous areas for young children. Drowning accidents caused by someone else’s negligence can result in wrongful death claims.
- Dog attacks – Vicious dog attacks on children often result in tragic fatalities. In such cases, the negligent dog owner can be held liable.
What Damages are Available in a NJ Child Wrongful Death Case?
A New Jersey wrongful death claim allows the surviving family to pursue financial compensation for the various economic and non-economic damages that have been inflicted by the at-fault party. The damages that may be claimed, based on the wrongful death of a child, can include the following:
- Medical Costs
- Hospital Bills
- Emotional Trauma
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Companionship
- Loss of Services to the Parents
- Funeral and Burial Expenses
In some cases, if the at-fault party’s negligence was especially egregious, a judge may award punitive damages. These damages are a form of punishment for the at-fault party’s wrongful actions.
Do Not Delay – Call Today
It is important to note that your legal right to seek compensation is under a strict deadline that begins the date of the deceased person’s death. In the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations is two years. Failure to act within the deadline can lead to a forfeiture of your rights, so it is strongly advised that you begin exploring your legal options with a qualified attorney as soon as you can.
The success of your wrongful death claim will depend on the evidence that is still available of the other party’s fault. For example, whether the fatal incident involved a car accident, a defective product, or medical malpractice, you will need to prove that the other party was directly or indirectly responsible. Common types of evidence include cell phone records, video surveillance, police reports, medical records, and eye witness testimony – all of which may not be available if you wait too long.
Hiring the Right NJ Child Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you have lost a child in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please do not hesitate to research your legal options. Filing a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind, but you will have to act quickly before the statute of limitations expires. Contact New Jersey wrongful death attorney who will protect your family’s legal rights and best interests. Call us at (609) 240-0040 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. You have nothing to lose by working with us. We are proud to offer our clients strong legal representation at no cost. That means, if we do not win your case, you do not owe us attorney fees – guaranteed.
Additional Information
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help
