What Kind of Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A “wrongful death” is the death of one person as a result of the negligence or inaction of someone else. In such cases, certain surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim in pursuit of compensation for what they have lost.

Of course, there is no compensation for the loss of a loved one, but the damages awarded in a wrongful death claim can help the victim’s family gain a sense of justice and retain financial stability. Under California law, family members can seek the following damages in a wrongful death claim:

•         Medical Expenses
•         Funeral or Burial Expenses
•         Lost Income
•         Loss of Financial Support (the potential income the deceased would have provided)
•         Value of Household Services
•         Loss of Love or Support
•         Loss of Consortium (loss of love, support, and sexual relationship)

These damages are broken down into categories of economic and non-economic. The value of these damages may depend on factors like the life expectancy of the deceased and the surviving family members, as well as future economic losses predicted. Economic damages are those that are easily quantifiable, such as medical bills, household costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are those that are less easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or loss of consortium.

Get Help with a Wrongful Death Claim

The damages awarded in a wrongful death claim can never erase the pain that your family is experiencing. Your family can rest a bit easier knowing that the person responsible for your loved one’s death has been held accountable.