Wrongful Death Lawsuits: What Damages Are Recoverable?

To lose a loved one is easily one of the worst moments that you can expect to experience. Loss isn’t easy. This may feel profoundly more difficult when it’s due to the actions or negligence of another person. If you’re considering a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to recover more damages than you initially thought. This is the case for many people who lost their loved ones. If you need a guide on which damages you can recover, here is what you need to know.

Types of Damages

First, you need to know that there are three types of damages. These damages include:

  • Economic
  • Non-economic
  • Punitive

Under each category, you’ll find a list of different options. The type of damages you can recover depends heavily on the case itself and your relationship to the deceased.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are simply the financial contributions that you would receive from the deceased had she or she lived. The types of economic damages that you may be able to recover include the following:

  • The victim’s expected earnings
  • Any medical or funeral costs associated with the death
  • Benefits, pension plans or medical coverage that you may have received from the deceased
  • Any lost inheritance that you might have otherwise received
  • Any financial value, such as goods or services that the victim might provide you

Whether you were married or a dependent of a person who died through an act of negligence, you may seek damages for the loss of income or benefits.

Non-economic Damages

Not all damages are financial or tangible. When someone passes, you lose more than income and suffer worse than the hit to your finances. Here are other damages that you may recover:

  • Loss of a spouse
  • Loss of companionship and love
  • Loss of protection, care, guidance or nurturing
  • Pain and suffering as a survivor

When it comes to a wrongful death suit, you are allowed to bring up your pain and suffering. The loss of your loved one matters and you can still sue for intangible things.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rare in wrongful death cases. In fact, there are a lot of states that don’t allow this type of recovery at all. However, there are exceptions. For instance, you may be able to recover treble damages if the case involves a nursing home being accused of abuse.

Losing a loved one can be one of the most trying, difficult moments of your life. If you lose someone because of someone else’s wrongful action, this is when you need to file a wrongful death suit. For more information on wrongful death, talk to a wrongful death lawyer today.