If an employer was hostile towards a worker who ended up committing suicide, could they be held liable for the worker’s death?
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If an employer was hostile towards a worker who ended up committing suicide, could they be held liable for the worker’s death?
My ex-husband committed suicide 7 years ago after having a breakdown at work. Apparently, the boss at his company was a condescending bully and had been putting him through hell for quite some time. He left work one day and shot himself. A detective did go to my ex’s workplace and investigated what happened, however we don’t have the report. His employer did nothing for my daughters,
immediately cutting them from health benefits. Also, not one person from the company showed up to the funeral. I am just curious if my daughters, ages 21 and 19, could sue his employer for negligence or wrongful death?
Asked on August 25, 2017 under Personal Injury, New Jersey
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Sorry to hear about your ex-husband.
Your daughters would NOT be able to sue their father's employer for negligence / wrongful death because the statute of limitations has tolled (expired).
New Jersey has a two year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in a wrongful death case. The two year period is two years from the date of death. Therefore, the lawsuit seven years after the date of death is barred by the statute of limitations.
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