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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
The death of a loved one can be a devastating event. The surviving family members of a deceased person may be able to file a lawsuit for damages for their losses. This can include damages for pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
In many cases, it is possible to recover money for these losses. However, many factors will determine how much money you can receive in compensation after a wrongful death case. Common types of damages you could recover after a wrongful death case include funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of companionship.
Funeral and Burial Costs
If you are the plaintiff in a wrongful death claim, you are entitled to recover funeral and burial costs. These expenses can be substantial and must be paid in full if someone else’s negligence causes them:
- A casket or urn
- Burial or cremation services
- A headstone or marker
- Flowers and other floral arrangements
- Pallbearers and other attendants
Funeral and burial costs are the most common damages you can recover after a wrongful death case. The funeral must be reasonable and necessary as it relates to the deceased individual’s health, age, religion, and other factors that make up each person’s unique circumstances.
Loss of Property Damages
Property lost or damaged due to the wrongful death of your loved one may include any assets, such as cars, furniture, or jewelry. You may also recover for funeral expenses and medical bills.
If you are entitled to damages from your loved one’s estate, you will want to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. They will help you determine whether any property was lost or damaged.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are a widespread claim after a wrongful death case. If a loved one passes away from an injury or illness, the family might be eligible to file a claim for medical expenses.
The amount of money you can recover is based on the type of injury or illness that caused your loved one’s death, how long it took to die, and other factors.
This can include the cost of prescription drugs, doctor visits, hospital bills, and physical therapy. The doctor may have records of treatment and be able to help you prove how much money was spent on the deceased person’s health care.
You will also need to prove that the person who caused their death intentionally injured them or tried to cover up their actions with negligence. If you win your case, you will be able to receive compensation for lost wages as well as funeral costs and other related expenses.
Loss of Companionship
The loss of companionship can be a difficult and painful experience for families. When someone you love has died, the void created in your life is often filled with sadness and grief.
If you were married to your loved one, you could receive compensation for the loss of companionship. This would include the loss of any friendship that your spouse provided. It might also include loss of companionship with any family members. This includes not being able to spend time with the people who were part of your life.
Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earnings
In a wrongful death case, you may be eligible to recover lost wages and future income. For example, if your loved one was killed in an accident and you were unable to work because of physical or emotional injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
The law also allows you to recover loss of future earnings if the deceased was killed by someone else’s negligence and loss of future earning capacity. Loss of future earning ability is the amount that would have been earned until retirement.
Pain and Suffering Damages
A pain and suffering award is designed to compensate a plaintiff for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life that they experienced as a result of wrongful death. The plaintiff must prove that they suffered physical injury, emotional distress, mental anguish, and economic losses.
The plaintiff must also demonstrate an identifiable causal connection between pain, suffering, and the defendant’s wrongful conduct.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer for Help
While losing a loved one can feel devastating, you do not have to go through this painful experience alone. A compassionate attorney can offer legal support throughout the legal procedures.
Working with a lawyer will increase your chances of accessing the compensation you need. Your attorney will fight alongside you for justice.
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