Expands wrongful death act to allow recovery for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and loss of companionship.

This bill amends New Jersey's wrongful death law to allow family members to recover damages for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, and loss of companionship in addition to financial losses. It directly affects individuals who have lost a loved one due to another person's wrongful conduct, such as in accidents or negligence cases. The key change explicitly adds these non-financial harms to the list of compensable damages under the statute, expanding what beneficiaries can claim. The law applies immediately to all cases arising after its effective date, broadening the scope of compensation available in wrongful death lawsuits.