A wrongful death claim in Union County, New Jersey arises under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq., allowing survivors to recover damages when negligence causes a fatal accident. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive personal injury experience across New Jersey. As a Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County, we help families seek justice. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County, New Jersey
New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act, codified at N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq., creates a cause of action when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. The claim is brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate for the benefit of survivors, including spouse, children, and parents. Damages may include lost income, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. The action must be filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County) within two years of the death. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County) | New Jersey Legislature
For the full text of New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act, see N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq. (New Jersey Legislature — official site). For court procedures, visit New Jersey Courts (njcourts.gov).
In the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County), wrongful death cases follow a structured timeline. We have observed that early evidence preservation is critical, as witness memories fade and physical evidence degrades within months.
- Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County immediately after the incident.
- Preserve all medical records, accident reports, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- File the wrongful death complaint within the 2-year statute of limitations under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3.
- Serve the complaint on all defendants and attend the initial case management conference.
- Complete discovery, including depositions and independent medical exams if applicable.
- Participate in mandatory arbitration for cases under $20,000 or proceed to trial.
In Union County, New Jersey, a wrongful death claim seeks compensatory damages for economic and non-economic losses caused by negligence. The following table outlines the types of damages available under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrongful Death (Negligence) | Civil Claim | N/A | Compensatory damages only | N/A | Loss of companionship, medical/funeral expenses |
| Wrongful Death (Gross Negligence) | Civil Claim | N/A | Compensatory + punitive damages | N/A | Punitive damages under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.12 |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive personal injury experience across New Jersey, including Union County. While specific locality case results are not available for this jurisdiction, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Tinton Falls, NJ is approximately 40 miles from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County) at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, with access via the Garden State Parkway and Route 22. We serve as a Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County for families throughout the area.
Wrongful death lawyer near Union County: We represent clients in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: (609) 983-0003 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Union County
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Union County, New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury under N.J.S.A. is typically 2-3 years from the date of injury, but shorter for claims against government entities (often 6 months notice requirement). Medical malpractice and wrongful death have distinct timelines. Missing the deadline bars the claim entirely — Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County) will dismiss on timeliness grounds. Evidence preservation and witness statements degrade over time. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. promptly — (888) 437-7747.
What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in New Jersey?
It depends. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3, the statute of limitations for wrongful death in New Jersey is generally 2 years from the date of death. The claim must be filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County). Missing this deadline permanently bars recovery. Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Union County promptly.
Can I recover damages for pain and suffering in a New Jersey wrongful death case?
Yes. Under New Jersey law, a wrongful death claim allows recovery for the decedent’s pain and suffering before death, as well as the survivors’ loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses. The claim is filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County). A fatal accident lawsuit lawyer Union County can help assess your damages.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in New Jersey?
A wrongful death claim compensates survivors for their losses (e.g., lost income, companionship) under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq. A survival action compensates the decedent’s estate for the decedent’s own pain and suffering before death. Both may be filed together in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County). A negligent death claim lawyer Union County can explain both.
How does a New Jersey lawyer defend against a wrongful death claim?
Defense strategies for a wrongful death claim in New Jersey may include challenging evidence of negligence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with insurance companies, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq. to build the strongest possible case for the family.
What should I do if I am considering a wrongful death claim in New Jersey?
If considering a wrongful death claim in New Jersey, contact a personal injury attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New Jersey law require prompt action.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Civil Part (Union County) | New Jersey Legislature