What Damages Can You Get in a Wrongful Death Case?

If your loved one passed away and they were the victim of wrongful death, you may be wondering what kind of damages you and your family can receive. While it’s true that there is no amount of money that can bring your loved one back or take away the pain, it can help to know that you do not have to worry about the expensive medical bills they might have accrued before they died or any other costs that may have come up. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can also help you feel like the person who caused their death got the justice they deserved. Wrongful death attorneys understand how difficult it is to lose someone you love and are here to help you get the damages you deserve after this has happened.

How does a wrongful death case differ from an accidental death?

In an accidental death, the death of your loved one may have been caused by themselves or by another person. However, just because someone else caused your loved one’s death does not necessarily mean that it was done negligently. When you bring about a civil suit to win damages for wrongful death, you and your attorney will need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused their death. Your state will have rules about wrongful death suits and your attorney can discuss those with you. 

What kind of damages are there?

There are two main types of damages you can expect from a wrongful death claim:

• The Deceased’s Damages
• The Family’s Damages

The Deceased’s Damages. These types of damages are going to be things specifically experienced by your loved one, which means that they occurred immediately after the time of the negligent act that eventually caused their death and then right up until they passed away. These kinds of damages may be:

• Lost Wages
• Funeral Expenses
• Mental or Physical Pain and Suffering

The Family’s Damages. The next of kin can also receive damages for their experience regarding their loved one’s passing. This category is used to help compensate the family for things like their financial losses. This could be damages equal to the amount of money the deceased would have brought home from their job before they retired. In some states, a judge may allow the family to make claims for non-monetary damages as well. However, you should speak with your attorney to see if this is even an option for you. This would likely be granted to an immediate family member or a spouse who believes they should receive compensation for loss of love or companionship. Again, this is not always something a judge will grant, but it will depend on your state. 

If your loved one has died a wrongful death and you would like to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Washington, DC, please call a law office as soon as possible. They care about getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

Thanks to The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into personal injury claims and what damages you can in a wrongful death case.