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NJ A2013
NJ A2013Expands wrongful death act to allow recovery for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and loss of companionship.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Wrongful death statutes establish a cause of action for the wrong done to an individual's beneficiaries when that individual dies as the result of the wrongful conduct of another person. Under present law, in a wrongful death action damages are recoverable for pecuniary loss. This bill would expand the type of damages for which one may bring suit to include mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and loss of companionship.
AI Summary
This bill expands the types of damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit, which is a legal action brought by beneficiaries when someone dies due to another person's wrongful actions. Currently, in New Jersey, damages in these cases are limited to "pecuniary injuries," meaning financial losses. However, this bill amends the law to allow for additional damages to be awarded for "mental anguish," which refers to emotional distress and suffering, and "loss of society and loss of companionship," which covers the non-economic harm experienced by the deceased's loved ones due to their absence. These changes aim to provide a more comprehensive form of compensation to families affected by wrongful death.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2013 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2013_I1.HTM |
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