What Type Of Compensation Can You Expect In A Wrongful Death Case?
Posted on: 29 December 2018
If you lost a loved one and plan to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you need to be aware of the different types of compensation to which you are entitled. The compensation will vary in different states. You may also receive capped compensation to a specific amount. The following are some of the different types of compensation you can get in a wrongful death lawsuit:
Monetary Compensation
Monetary compensation, also known as economic damages, are those which include financial contributions or obligations the family of the deceased would have had access to had the death not occurred. When a person or business is found guilty of wrongful death, the entity can be required to pay to make the family of the loved one whole. The attorney can fight for a multitude of monetary compensation, including the loss of income from the victim's job earnings, pension, benefits, payment for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and inheritance loss.
Non-Monetary Compensation
Non-monetary compensation is the recoup of money for non-tangible items which are valuable to the family of the deceased. If the defendant has to pay this compensation, the judge will determine exactly how much is to be paid. Some examples of non-monetary compensation include payments for pain and suffering and mental suffering of the family after a tragic loss. The payments can also include payment for the loss of the ability of the deceased to nurture and protect his or her family.
Punitive Damages
Another form of compensation is punitive damages. These are damages intended to punish the defendant for the death of the victim due to egregious behavior, such as drinking and driving. Not all states will allow punitive damages in wrongful death cases, so be sure to ask your attorney to see if you are entitled to this compensation. Also, if any government agency was involved in the death, punitive damages may not apply in all cases. However, some states allow families to collect the interest on the compensation from the time of death until you actually receive the money.
Going through a wrongful death case can be painful. If you plan to pursue a claim, you need to hire a wrongful death attorney who primarily works with wrongful death. The cases can get complex and detailed, and you need a person qualified to ask for all the necessary information and proof to help increase the likelihood of a good outcome in your case.
Share