When a person dies unexpectedly, everyone in their inner circle feels the impact of that loss. In addition to profound grief, which may take a lifetime to process, survivors also face significant economic hardship.
Wrongful death lawsuits are a form of personal injury litigation. Surviving family members or the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a lawsuit with the intent of holding the person or business responsible for the tragedy financially accountable.
What losses can plaintiffs seek in a wrongful death lawsuit?
1. End-of-life expenses
The medical care provided for the deceased individual could create a significant financial burden for the people left behind. Additionally, the family has to cover funeral and burial expenses. A wrongful death lawsuit can include those costs.
2. Lost wages and benefits
Family members usually share their income, making the loss of one person’s paycheck a significant hardship for those left behind. People can request compensation for the current and likely future earning potential of the deceased party.
3. Lost household services
Family members often share responsibilities ranging from childcare and cooking to home maintenance. The more unpaid services an individual provides for their family, the more costly it can be to hire professionals to replace their work. A list of the services an individual provided and an estimate of the time spent on those services weekly or monthly can help families offset the financial impact of losing a person’s unpaid service.
Working with a legal professional can make a wrongful death lawsuit easier to pursue. Grieving families may need assistance as they evaluate their options and prepare to take a little action, and that’s okay.