New JerseyBill would let juries award added damages when a minor dies
If enacted, the bill would let juries consider added damages for a surviving parent when a minor dies, if the parent is eligible to inherit and the child had no children.
What it does
If enacted, the bill would let a jury award added damages to an eligible surviving parent when a minor dies in a wrongful death case. The child must have had no children, and the parent must be entitled to inherit from the child.
Argument forEligible parents could ask a jury to consider grief, lost guidance, care costs, and the child's pain when deciding damages.
Argument againstBecause juries could value grief and lost companionship differently, families and defendants might face less predictable damage awards.
More detail
A jury may award additional damages in a wrongful death case. The decedent must have been below the age of majority when they died. The additional damages may go only to a surviving parent of a decedent who had no children. The parent must be entitled to inherit from the child under intestacy rules. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted and apply to cases arising on or after that date.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 24Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced