The financial burden of unexpectedly losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can compound the emotional toll on the surviving family. You may struggle to make ends meet due to the sudden loss of income or support.
In such circumstances, a wrongful death lawsuit may be the only way to seek justice and get compensation to cover these unexpected costs. Here are the damages you can recover.
Compensatory damages
You may be entitled to compensation for the direct financial losses related to the death. These include:
- Medical expenses if your loved one received medical treatment before passing away
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income, including future earnings and benefits like health insurance or retirement plans
You can also recover compensation for non-economic damages, which cover the emotional and psychological impact of losing your loved one. You deserve compensation for the emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship or parental guidance.
In some cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the negligent party and serve as an example to deter similar actions in the future.
How much can you expect?
The compensation you can expect to recover in a wrongful death lawsuit depends on various factors, such as the circumstances surrounding the death, the extent of the financial losses and the impact on the surviving family members.
Some factors that may come into play are the deceased’s actual and potential earnings, their age and health at the time of death and the degree of negligence. In addition, there may be damage caps or legal limits, depending on the cause of the wrongful death.
Seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and present a strong case can increase the chances of a favorable outcome to help deal with the aftermath of your loss and get some sense of closure.