When a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence—especially a person who contributes to the family’s bottom line like a bread winner or a stay-at-home mom—just compensation needs to be pursued. When the loss of a family member results in a loss of income or sudden expenses on top of funeral expenses and medical bills, a family can become financially desperate very quickly. That is why it is critical that these families know the types of damages they can collect through a wrongful death claim.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages
Any family who has lost a loved one as a result of medical malpractice or another type of wrongful action should pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in order to collect for the following:
- Funeral expenses. When someone dies, a family has to pay for the person’s funeral and burial. Unfortunately, funeral expenses are costly, which is why it is critical that families who have lost loved ones due to medical malpractice need to collect for these types of damages.
- Medical bills. Medical expenses related to a surgery or any type of life-saving effort may come trickling in following the death of a loved one. Not only are medical bills expensive, but families shouldn’t have to be reminded of their loved one’s death every time they open the mail and find another medical bill. All medical expenses connected to the wrongful death should be recovered under a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Lost wages. When a wrongful death claims the life of a husband, wife, or parent who was a wage earner, a family should be entitled to the amount of money, benefits, and medical coverage they would have received if that person was still alive.
- Loss of services. A wrongful death doesn’t just take someone away from a family, but the death of a loved one can leave a family without certain services such as childcare and housekeeping.
Other types of damages that families may be entitled to collect can include loss of love and companionship or loss of care and guidance. And some claims may also be awarded punitive damages. Because every claim is different, it is essential that families meet with experienced attorneys to find out what damages they may be able to get compensated for in a wrongful death claim.
Although we know that no amount of money is ever enough for the loss you experienced, we want to help make sure your family doesn’t have to worry about money at a time like this. For a free consultation and to learn more about your rights, call us at 703-721-4233.