Regardless of the circumstances, the death of a loved one due to negligence or recklessness of another party is usually traumatic. This type of fatal injury may result from a car accident, medical malpractice or faulty equipment at the workplace. In these situations, the deceased’s family may consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.
The individual filing a wrongful death claim will often seek the damages the deceased would have pursued had they survived the incident that resulted in their death. These compensations cover the damages accrued between the time of the incident and the victim’s death.
Below are some of the damages that the deceased’s loved ones can recover in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Medical expenses
The wrongful death suit might include compensation for the accrued bills if the deceased received any form of medical attention following the fatal accident.
Lost wages
It is not unusual for a victim of medical malpractice, a car accident and other wrongful death cases to miss work due to the extent of their injuries. Even after succumbing, their dependents may qualify to receive compensation for the income the deceased would have earned if they had resumed work after the accident.
Damages resulting from the loss of a loved one
When a personal injury victim loses their life, their loved ones may sue for damages that accumulated due to their decedent’s death. A plaintiff filing this suit may demand damages for mental and emotional anguish and economic damages they suffered following their kin’s death.
Funeral expenses
Funeral and burial expenses can add up pretty quickly. Thus, a wrongful death claim will often include compensation for the cost of laying their kin to rest.
No amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one. That said, a wrongful death suit can give you not only a sense of closure but also a sense of justice. If you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you know what you can sue for.