What Damages Are Awarded in Wrongful Death Cases?

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences that you will ever have to endure–especially if your loved one was killed because of another person’s negligence. In addition to the emotional pain, many families also suffer financially after losing a loved one that provided for them. Fortunately, grieving families that have lost a loved one in a tragic accident may be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Here are the types of damages that can be awarded in wrongful death cases:

Expenses
The surviving family members may be reimbursed for any expenses they have incurred that are related to the death. For example, the defendant may have to compensate the family for funeral expenses and any medical expenses incurred by the victim after the accident but prior to his death.

Lost Income
The family may also be awarded damages for lost income. These damages are awarded in cases where the surviving family members were financially dependent on the victim. It is crucial that you recover compensation for lost income so you don’t have to worry about how to make ends meet after the victim’s death.

To determine how much the family members should receive, the court will calculate how much the victim would have earned in the future. A number of factors will be taken into consideration when calculating lost income damages, including the age of the victim, his life expectancy, his occupation, and inflation.

Lost Benefits
Family members can also be compensated for benefits they have lost as a result of their loved one’s death. Some examples of benefits include health insurance, retirement funds, and pension plans. The lifetime value of these benefits will need to be calculated in order to determine how much the family members should receive.

Emotional Losses
Many families are compensated for the emotional losses that they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. The victim’s spouse may be compensated for the loss of companionship, whereas the victim’s children may be awarded damages for the loss of guidance and care. It can be hard to quantify these losses, which is why you should rely on your attorney to estimate their value
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If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent acts of another person, seek legal representation from James Rush at Rush Injury Law. James Rush will offer you the legal resources and emotional support that you need during this challenging time. Contact our office by calling 415-897-4801 or filling out the online form on our website www.rushinjurylaw.com to request a free consultation.