A sudden death in Bergen County, New Jersey can leave your family with unanswered questions, mounting expenses, and difficult decisions about what comes next. A Fort Lee wrongful death lawyer can investigate what happened, identify every responsible party, and protect your family’s right to pursue a claim for compensation.
Let the attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. handle the legal work while you focus on your family. Our team will get the evidence, calculate the financial impact of the loss, and build a case that reflects both the income your loved one provided and the support your family has lost.
Call (201) 585-9111 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.
Why Hire Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. for a Fort Lee Wrongful Death Claim?
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. brings decades of trial experience, substantial case resources, and deep knowledge of Bergen County courts to wrongful death claims. A fatal crash on Route 4 or an incident near the George Washington Bridge can require immediate investigation before records, video, or physical evidence are lost.
We prepare each wrongful death claim with litigation in mind from the beginning, which puts the firm in a stronger position during negotiations and at trial.
Results When It Matters
Our trial attorneys have spent years handling complex civil litigation throughout New Jersey. We regularly appear before judges in the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Some recent wrongful death results include:
- $1.5 Million Pedestrian Fatality: A 75-year-old pedestrian was struck while crossing the street near her local library and later died from her injuries.
- $775,000 Wrongful Death: A car accident victim died while being prepared for emergency surgery.
- $500,000 Fatal Medication Case: A woman died from a pulmonary embolism linked to birth control pills prescribed despite known risk factors.
Deep Local Knowledge
Our familiarity with Fort Lee and Bergen County helps us identify where time-sensitive evidence could be located. We can request reports from the Fort Lee Police Department and obtain relevant records from facilities such as Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center.
Acting quickly can help preserve evidence before it becomes unavailable.
Direct Client Support
Our attorneys handle communications, case filings, settlement demands, and other legal work on your family’s behalf. You receive updates throughout the case without having to manage the claim or respond to every request yourself.
Call (201) 585-9111 or complete our online form to speak with our team today.
I cannot express how grateful and pleased I am to have had Christopher DiGirolamo and his paralegal Christine Carrino represent me in connection with my personal injury action.
What had happened to me was an event that was about to completely change my life.
Initially I was unable to go to the offices of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi because of my injuries. I had been hit by a motor vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. Christopher came to me. He offered not only expert legal advice but helped significantly with other things like obtaining police reports, how to handle telephone calls, photographing the scene and even advice about warding off “adjusters” who came knocking on my door. Most importantly, Christopher listened. His compassion, knowledge and understanding cannot be overstated.
I, as a lawyer with medical knowledge who needed a lawyer, would consider myself to be somewhat of a challenging client. Christopher took all this in stride and was fearless in offering guidance and advice when I was having difficulty looking at things objectively. Christopher allayed my anxieties and made me feel better each and every time we spoke. He put things in perspective for me while at the same time, not sugar coating the difficult days ahead that were in store for me, both physically and throughout the legal proceedings. Christopher asked me about my preferences and my choices. He was always interested in my ideas and my point of view. Christopher balanced my convictions with his undeniable objectivity and expertise.
Throughout the protracted course of discovery and pre-trial conferences, Christopher went out of his way to communicate with me and keep me informed. When Christopher was in court we engaged in many real time texting sessions. He respected my decisions about strategy and was constant in upholding his integrity. With Christopher’s tenacity and wit, the case was ultimately resolved without trial.
Christopher and the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. made every effort to accommodate me in whatever way they could. I offer my thanks and gratitude.
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.
Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.
What Accidents Can Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim in New Jersey?
In Fort Lee and across Bergen County, these cases can involve fatal car crashes, commercial truck fatalities, dangerous property conditions, or catastrophic injuries that result in death.
But it’s much broader than that. A New Jersey wrongful death claim can arise whenever a person dies because another individual, business, or property owner acted negligently.
Our attorneys investigate how the death occurred and determine who could be held responsible. That work can include reviewing police reports, securing surveillance footage, locating witnesses, and consulting with experts when the cause of the incident is disputed.
When a commercial vehicle or business is involved, more than one party could share responsibility. We examine those relationships and build the claim around the full circumstances of your loved one’s death.
Understanding New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Laws And Deadlines
You pursue compensation for a lost family member under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1, which allows the estate representative to bring a claim for the benefit of eligible survivors when a fatal injury results from someone else’s negligence.
The New Jersey Wrongful Death Act outlines exactly how families can seek justice. The rules are incredibly strict and unforgiving for unrepresented victims. To successfully recover financial support, you must prove that the defendant owed a standard of care and breached that standard.
You then must show that this breach directly caused the fatal incident. This legal standard applies to everything from motor vehicle crashes to property hazards. The state also heavily restricts who is legally allowed to file this claim and ultimately receive the settlement funds.
Generally, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate must officially file the lawsuit. Any recovered funds are then distributed to the surviving heirs based on the pecuniary losses they suffered under New Jersey law.
Identifying the proper administrator is just the first step. You must also open the estate and gather necessary proof of dependency through meticulous legal drafting. Attempting this without a wrongful death lawyer in Bergen County risks having the case dismissed on a technicality.
Things to keep in mind include:
- The Two-Year Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the date of the person’s death to formally file a lawsuit in the New Jersey civil court system.
- Primary Beneficiary Qualifications: The eligible beneficiaries are determined under New Jersey’s intestacy laws, and spouses and children are often among those entitled to recover.
- Secondary Beneficiary Qualifications: Parents, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives can recover in some cases when they qualify under the intestacy laws and suffered a pecuniary loss.
What Financial Losses Can a Wrongful Death Claim Cover?
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-5, New Jersey wrongful death damages focus on pecuniary injuries, meaning losses that have a measurable financial value. A Fort Lee wrongful death lawyer can work with financial experts to show the full economic impact of your loved one’s death.
The law generally doesn’t compensate surviving family members for their grief or emotional distress. That makes careful financial documentation especially important. Calculating the loss involves more than reviewing a recent pay stub.
Our Fort Lee wrongful death lawyers can examine your loved one’s future earning capacity, likely career growth, retirement benefits, and expected work life. We can also calculate the value of household services, childcare, home maintenance, and the guidance and support provided to children.
Defense attorneys can challenge these projections by arguing that your loved one would have earned less, changed careers, or retired earlier. We respond with employment records, expert analysis, and financial projections grounded in the facts of your family’s loss.
How Do Insurance Companies Try to Reduce Wrongful Death Claims?
Insurance companies often look for ways to shift blame, dispute the cause of death, or reduce the value of a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys take over those communications and build the evidence needed to answer each tactic.
| What the Insurance Company Does | How Our Attorneys Respond |
| The insurer argues that your loved one caused or contributed to the fatal incident. | We use witness statements, video, physical evidence, and expert analysis to show how the incident occurred. |
| Adjusters point to a pre-existing condition as the cause of death. | Your attorney reviews medical records and consults with qualified experts to establish the link between the accident and the death. |
| The insurer contacts family members and asks questions that could later be used to challenge the claim. | We notify the insurer that the family is represented and direct future claim-related communications through our office. |
| The insurer overlooks future income, household services, and other financial support. | Your lawyer works with financial professionals to calculate the measurable losses caused by the death. |
| The insurer slows the process down in hopes that financial strain will lead the family to accept less. | We track deadlines, respond to requests, and prepare the case for litigation when negotiations stall. |
New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules can reduce a recovery when the deceased person shares fault and can bar recovery if that person’s responsibility is greater than 50%.
Our legal team challenges unsupported blame and protects the claim from tactics designed to shift responsibility away from the negligent party.
What Happens During a New Jersey Wrongful Death Claim?
Our Fort Lee wrongful death attorneys handle each stage of your family’s claim, from appointing the proper estate representative to negotiating a settlement or presenting the case at trial. We identify the eligible beneficiaries, investigate the death, and file the complaint in the appropriate court.
The case then moves into discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and question witnesses. We obtain records from the defendants, document your family’s financial losses, and work with medical or economic experts when their analysis is needed.
The legal process can include:
- Handling Estate Requirements: We help arrange the authority needed to bring the wrongful death claim and receive any resulting funds.
- Taking Depositions: Your lawyer questions defendants, company representatives, and other witnesses under oath.
- Presenting Expert Evidence: Qualified experts can explain the cause of death and calculate the financial support your family lost.
- Negotiating or Going to Trial: We pursue a fair resolution and prepare to present the case in court when an acceptable agreement cannot be reached.
Verdicts and Settlements
$775,000 - Wrongful Death
For the wrongful death of car accident victim who died while being prepared for emergency surgery.
FAQ for Fort Lee Wrongful Death Claims
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the executor named in a will or an administrator appointed to represent the estate can file a wrongful death claim. If your loved one didn’t leave a will, the Bergen County Surrogate can appoint the proper representative.
Our attorneys can help your family complete that process and determine who has the authority to move the claim forward.
Can Our Family Recover Damages for Grief and Emotional Suffering?
New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act doesn’t compensate family members for grief, emotional distress, or mental anguish alone. The claim instead focuses on losses with a measurable financial value, such as lost income, benefits, household services, guidance, and support.
Our wrongful death attorneys in Fort Lee document those losses so the claim reflects the full financial impact on your family.
What Happens if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules can reduce the financial recovery based on your loved one’s share of responsibility, and it can bar recovery altogether when it’s greater than 50%. We use physical evidence, witness accounts, and expert analysis to challenge unsupported attempts to blame your loved one.
How Is a Survivorship Action Different From a Wrongful Death Claim?
A survivorship action belongs to the estate and continues claims your loved one could have pursued if they had survived. It can cover losses between the injury and death, including conscious pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings when supported by the evidence.
A wrongful death claim addresses the financial losses suffered by eligible survivors, and our attorneys determine whether the circumstances support filing both claims.
Will Our Wrongful Death Case Go to Trial?
Many wrongful death cases resolve through negotiation, but a settlement is never guaranteed. Our attorneys gather evidence, consult with appropriate experts, and prepare the claim for court so the defense understands that we’re ready to present the case at trial.
If negotiations don’t produce an acceptable resolution, we can take the case before a judge or jury in Bergen County.
We’ll Protect Your Family’s Financial Future
The days following a fatal accident are incredibly overwhelming, but waiting to seek legal counsel only strengthens the insurance company’s defense. The attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. are ready to step in right now to handle the aggressive claims adjusters and build a formidable case on your behalf.
We’ll fight tirelessly to recover the financial resources your household needs to survive this tragedy. Take the first step toward securing your future. Contact our office immediately at (201) 585-9111 or fill out our secure online contact form for a free consultation.
You can also visit our local office located at 201 Columbia Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.
Fort Lee Office
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
201 Columbia Ave
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Phone: (201) 585-9111
