The loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death can leave families with both emotional and financial burdens. Here is a brief overview from a wrongful death attorney in Houston of the forms of compensation that can be sought in a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Compensation Can You Seek in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? An Overview from a Wrongful Death Attorney in Houston
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to compensate for the financial losses that arise from a wrongful death. If the deceased incurred medical costs before their passing, such as emergency care or hospital stays, these expenses can be recovered through a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation for funeral and burial costs is also commonly sought as part of economic damages.
Another significant economic loss is the future income the deceased would have earned. Wrongful death claims often include compensation for the salary and benefits that the family will no longer receive, such as health insurance or retirement contributions. The goal is to ensure that they are not left without that financial support.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses from the death of a loved one. These damages are an attempt to address the emotional and psychological impact on the surviving family members. Compensation for the loss of companionship helps account for the emotional toll that comes with being deprived of someone’s love, guidance, and companionship, whether a spouse, parent, or child.
Surviving family members may also receive compensation for their pain and suffering. These damages acknowledge the emotional trauma caused by the death. In cases where the deceased was a parent, children may be entitled to damages for the loss of parental guidance and support, recognizing the long-term effects of growing up without the emotional and educational support that a parent provides.
Loss of Inheritance
Another potential form of compensation is the loss of inheritance. If the deceased had been expected to leave a significant financial estate, and their untimely death reduces or eliminates the amount of inheritance, the family may seek compensation for this loss. This type of damage recognizes that the deceased’s financial contributions would have likely grown over time.
Reimbursement for Loss of Services
The loss of a family member can also lead to practical difficulties. If the deceased provided essential household services, such as childcare, home maintenance, or elder care, the family may be entitled to compensation for the cost of replacing these services. Click here to find out more.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the family for their losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. These damages are less common and are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially harmful. The goal of punitive damages is to send a message that negligent or wrongful conduct will not be tolerated.
If you are dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one, taking legal action can help ensure that justice is served and your family is supported.
