Losing a family member is always difficult, but it can be even more so when the death was sudden and unexpected, especially when that loved one’s death was a result of another person’s actions. When someone has acted with negligence or has purposefully committed an act which resulted in a family member’s death, it is hard enough just coping with the sadness and anger.
With such emotions at the forefront, it can be challenging to deal with the negative financial realities created by this devastating loss. Medical expenses, burial costs, and loss of income are the biggest financial hits experienced by those who have lost a family member to wrongful death.
- Medical expenses. Typically, when one is a victim of a car accident, crime, or was in the wrong place at the wrong time when another person was acting in a careless manor, the person injured is going to need medical treatment. Aside from the initial costs associated with emergency care and possible surgery, ongoing hospitalization and medical treatment can be expensive—even with medical insurance.
- Funeral expenses. Even with medical treatment, some injuries are just too great—resulting in the death of that person. Those who were victims of a wrongful death were often not prepared for their own burial—the coffin, the plot, the headstone, and other expenses related to a funeral. Families, then, bear the burden of funeral and burial expenses, which are quite costly.
- Loss of income. Aside from the medical and funeral expenses, families may also suffer a loss of income if the family member who died was a financial contributor to the family. This has a significant effect on the family members, as many times mortgage payments are missed and utility bills cannot be paid. Even a couple of missed car payments may result in repossession of a vehicle, leaving the family without transportation.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, we at Shevlin Smith would be honored to help you present your wrongful death lawsuit against those who are liable. We will fight for compensation for all financial losses, including wages lost due to the death of your loved one. Please contact us at 703-721-4233 to speak to an experienced attorney about the wrongful death of your loved one.