Compassionate Denville Wrongful Death Attorneys Helping Families Seek Justice

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When that loss occurs because of someone else’s careless, reckless, or negligent behavior, the impact is even more overwhelming. Families are often left trying to manage grief while also struggling with financial hardship, unanswered questions, and the burden of a sudden change in family dynamics. In these moments, legal action is not about getting compensation for the loss of a loved one; it’s about holding the wrongdoer accountable and ensuring that a preventable tragedy does not go unanswered.

At the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, our Denville wrongful death lawyers represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents caused by negligence. With nearly a century of combined trial and litigation experience, our firm provides steady guidance, vigorous advocacy, and the support families need during an incredibly difficult time. We understand how deeply a wrongful death impacts every aspect of family life, and we are committed to handling your case with the care, respect, and thorough attention it deserves.

Working with our wrongful death attorneys in Morris County allows your family to pursue justice, seek fair compensation, and hold the wrongdoer – whether an individual, company, or other institution – accountable.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Death in New Jersey?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of the negligent or wrongful conduct of another party.

Wrongful death may occur in many circumstances, including:

• Motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles.
• Fatal accidents caused by unsafe property conditions.
• Workplace accidents involving third-party negligence.
• Defective products or dangerous consumer goods.
• Pedestrian or bicycle collisions.
• Acts of gross negligence or wanton recklessness.

Determining whether you or your family has a case for the wrongful death of a loved one requires a careful evaluation of the facts. Our Denville wrongful death attorneys review evidence, witness statements, and investigative reports to confirm whether the death resulted from serious negligence and whether a claim for wrongful death can be filed.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Denville and Morris County

Fatal injuries can happen in a variety of circumstances, but certain hazards are more common on active roadways with high traffic, and in commercial districts with heavy industrial manufacturing. Denville sits at the center of several major transportation routes and near a handful of large industrial parks.  Morris County residents living near Denville encounter risks daily while driving, walking, shopping, or working.

Common causes of wrongful death in the region include:

• High-speed collisions on local highways with heavy traffic.
• Pedestrian fatalities at high-traffic intersections.
• Defective products are causing fatal injuries.
• Unsafe property conditions resulting in deadly falls or other hazards.
• Workplace accidents are caused by unsafe working conditions.

Each wrongful death case is unique, and our attorneys take the time to understand what happened, how it happened, and who is responsible.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:31-5, limits who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit.  N.J.S.A.  Typically, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate. However, the individuals who can recover for a wrongful death claim are determined by statute.

Eligible beneficiaries may include:

• A surviving spouse.
• Children of the deceased.
• Parents of the deceased.
• Other dependent relatives, when applicable.

These claims focus on the financial and emotional impact the death has on surviving family members, and determining who is eligible can be an essential part of the process. Our wrongful death lawyers in Denville help families understand how the law applies to their situation and ensure that claims are filed correctly.

Understanding Wrongful Death Damages

New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members and the deceased person’s estate to pursue compensation for economic losses caused by their death, including hospital, medical, and funeral expenses incurred on their behalf. 

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Medical costs related to the fatal injury.
• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
• Loss of household services.
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance.
• Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions.

New Jersey also recognizes a separate action known as a survivorship claim under the New Jersey Survival Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3, which allows the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate to recover for any claim the deceased would have had if they had survived, including pain and suffering before death. 

Finally, there are some narrow circumstances where close family members of the decedent may recover for the emotional trauma they suffered by witnessing their family member’s anguishing last moments.  These claims are known as Portee claims, after the infamous case of Portee v. Jaffee, 84 N.J. 88 (1980), in which a mother witnessed her child die in a horrific elevator accident.     

Our attorneys help families pursue both claims when appropriate, ensuring all forms of compensation are considered.

Average Wrongful Death Settlement: What Families Should Know

Because most settlements remain confidential, it’s impossible to calculate the “average” settlement amount for wrongful death claims.  It would also be inappropriate to value any particular case on the basis of a so-called “average” settlement amount without taking into consideration the unique circumstances of each case.   

Those may include, but are not limited to:

• The age and health of the deceased.
• Their income and expected future earnings.
• The circumstances surrounding the death.
• The strength of the liability evidence.
• The insurance coverage available.
• The needs and number of surviving dependents.

Because of these variables, settlement values can range widely. Our Denville wrongful death attorneys focus on accurately documenting the financial and emotional impact on you and your family to maximize the compensation available under New Jersey law.

The Importance of Proving Negligence

Wrongful death cases require establishing that the death occurred because someone acted negligently, recklessly, or otherwise in violation of their legal duty. This process can involve multiple forms of evidence, depending on the nature of the fatal accident.

Proving negligence may require:

• Accident reconstruction, for motor vehicle crashes or other vehicular accidents.
• Expert analysis of defective products.
• Witness interviews and sworn statements.
• Review of safety protocols and to determine safety violations.
• Examination of video footage, photographs, or digital records.
• Analysis of workplace conditions and third-party involvement.

Our firm has extensive experience handling complex investigations, working with experts, and building strong evidence-based cases that demonstrate how the death occurred and why the responsible party must be held accountable.

How We Help Families Pursue Wrongful Death and Survivorship Claims

Families dealing with a sudden, tragic loss face emotional and logistical challenges that can feel overwhelming. Our attorneys provide support by guiding families through each stage of the legal process and ensuring that their rights are protected. We handle the legal work so families can focus on grieving and healing.

We assist families by:

• Conducting a detailed investigation into the fatal incident.
• Identifying all responsible parties.
• Collecting medical records, reports, and expert opinions.
• Filing wrongful death and survivorship claims.
• Negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of the family.
• Preparing for litigation when needed.
• Ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rightful share of compensation.

Our approach is compassionate, thorough, and grounded in decades of trial advocacy experience.

Why Choose the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers for a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death claims demand a law firm that understands both the emotional difficulty of the situation and the legal complexities of seeking compensation. Our firm has represented grieving families for decades, and we take pride in offering the stability, commitment, and strategic insight needed during such a critical time.

Families choose us because we provide:

• Nearly a century of combined legal experience.
• Proven success in complex litigation.
• Personalized communication and attention.
• Deep understanding of wrongful death damages and New Jersey law.
• Thorough investigation and strong negotiation skills.
• A respectful, compassionate approach to grieving families.

When you partner with our wrongful death lawyers in Denville, you gain a team dedicated to helping your family seek justice and rebuild after your loss.

Speak With Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Denville Today

If your family has experienced the unthinkable because of death due to negligence in Denville, northern New Jersey, or elsewhere, you do not have to go through this alone. The Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers is here to support you, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Call (973) 625-0838 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation, free of charge, with our wrongful death lawyers in Denville today.