Losing a loved one is an unimaginably difficult experience, particularly when irresponsible or malicious behavior led to this loss. In these tragic circumstances, a wrongful death lawsuit helps to seek justice and compensation for the losses the surviving family have endured. What support can these claims offer?
A lawsuit can offer damages for costs related to the loss of a loved one.
Economic damages are losses that have a specific monetary value associated with them. These damages can include:
- Medical bills: Death may come after a long battle with injuries. Families can claim costs related to the medical care the deceased received due to the injury before they died.
- Funeral and burial costs: Funeral services and burial can add additional expenses to an already challenging time. Families can claim these damages.
- Loss of earnings: The loss of a loved one often means that a family also loses the financial support they would have offered to their family if they had lived. Calculations often consider the deceased’s earning capacity as well as what they could have earned in the future.
- Loss of benefits: Families may rely on benefits like health insurance or pension plans earned by the deceased. Damages can address the cost of losing these vital benefits.
Calculating these losses can provide families with both the funds they need today and the support they will need as they move forward without their loved one.
A wrongful death claim can address the emotional impact of the loss.
Not every loss can be calculated in monetary terms. Intangible losses can still have a profound impact on the lives of the survivors. These include:
- Pain and suffering: The court awards these damages in recognition of the pain and suffering the person who passed away experienced due to their injuries before death.
- Loss of consortium: Legal action can also provide compensation for the lost benefits of a family relationship due to the death. These include affection, solace and moral support.
- Loss of guidance: If the deceased was a parent, their family can seek compensation for the lost parent-child relationship.
Because it can be difficult to put a specific price on the emotional impact of a loss, it can be helpful to reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can help calculate the compensation you could receive for these intangible losses.
A lawsuit can punish the person at fault.
If the defended acted maliciously or was especially irresponsible, the court may award punitive damages as a form of punishment. Punitive damages can also serve as a deterrent to prevent similar actions in the future.
Every wrongful death case is unique. The types of damages awarded will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding each case. By understanding the different types of damages available, you can pursue the full support your family deserves in this difficult time.
