Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional actions is a devastating experience. In such tragic circumstances, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide a means to seek justice and compensation for the loss. One crucial aspect of these cases revolves around the types of damages that can be sought. In this blog post, we will delve into the various categories of damages that may be pursued in a wrongful death case, shedding light on the financial and emotional impact they aim to address.
Economic Damages:
Economic damages in a wrongful death case encompass the financial losses incurred as a result of the individual's death. These damages aim to compensate for the tangible and quantifiable impacts suffered by the surviving family members. Examples of economic damages include:
Medical expenses:
This includes any medical bills related to the deceased person's treatment prior to their passing.
Funeral and burial costs:
The expenses associated with funeral services, burial plots, cremation, or other end-of-life arrangements.
Non-Economic Damages:
Non-economic damages in a wrongful death case aim to address the emotional and intangible losses suffered by the surviving family members. While these losses are challenging to quantify, they are equally significant in the healing and recovery process. Some common examples of non-economic damages include:
Pain and suffering:
This refers to the emotional anguish, mental distress, and psychological impact experienced by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
Loss of companionship and consortium:
Compensation for the loss of love, care, guidance, and companionship that the deceased would have provided to their family members.
Loss of parental guidance:
If the deceased was a parent, this type of damages seeks to compensate for the guidance, nurturing, and emotional support that children have lost due to their parent's death.
Punitive Damages:
In certain cases where the responsible party's conduct was particularly egregious or exhibited intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages aim to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar wrongful actions. However, it is important to note that punitive damages are not awarded in every wrongful death case and are subject to specific legal standards.
At SJ Injury Law, their wrongful death attorneys will support you in your grief, taking care of everything they can, putting as little stress on you as possible. They help negotiate with other parties, investigate the details of your case, and tirelessly argue to protect your interests. For more details, visit: https://claimyourjustice.com/wrongful-death/