When a loved one loses their life due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This could be a death resulting from various causes such as car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products or criminal acts.
Wrongful death lawsuits seek to address the impact of a loved one’s death by holding the responsible party accountable for their actions. These lawsuits aim to provide compensation for the harm caused by the defendant’s negligence or misconduct, offering a sense of justice and closure for the surviving family members. Potential damages recoverable may include the following.
Medical expenses
In many wrongful death cases, the family may be able to recover the medical costs incurred due to the injury or sickness that caused the victim’s death. This can include hospital bills, surgeries and other medical treatments before the person’s passing.
Funeral and burial costs
Funeral and burial costs may also be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit. These costs, which can add up significantly, can cover everything from funeral services to the burial plot.
Loss of income
The surviving family may recover damages for the loss of the deceased’s expected future income, including wages and benefits like pensions or retirement savings, especially if the person was the primary earner.
Loss of support and services
Compensation may be awarded for the loss of services and support provided by the deceased to the family. This could include household duties, child care or other important contributions to daily life.
Loss of companionship
Surviving family members, such as a spouse or children, can be compensated for the loss of companionship, guidance and affection that the deceased provided. This addresses the emotional impact of the loss.
Wrongful death lawsuits are intended to provide fair compensation to surviving family members to cover the full value of the life lost and hold the responsible party accountable.