Wrongful death legal protections can be crucial for loved ones of victims who have been wrongfully killed. Surviving family members can receive help and compensation for the harm they have suffered and should be familiar with wrongful death legal protections for that reason.
Legal damages for wrongful death
Legal damages for wrongful death are designed to help surviving loved ones with their physical, financial and emotional damages associated with the wrongful loss they have suffered. Wrongful death damages are dependent on the situation, circumstances and characteristics of the victim but can include damages for:
- The loss of support and services the victim has suffered;
- The loss of companionship the victim has suffered;
- The lost prospect of inheritance and lost earnings;
- Medical and funeral expenses
When determining the nature and amount of damages, characteristics of the victim are considered such as the age and condition of the lost loved one; the health and intelligence of the lost loved one; the character of the lost loved one; the earning capacity of the lost loved one; the life expectancy of the lost loved one; and the circumstances of the surviving family members.
Who can obtain legal damages for wrongful death?
Wrongful death damages may be available to surviving family members including a surviving spouse and children. A wrongful death claim for damages is brought on behalf of the lost loved one’s estate for the benefit of surviving family members. When loved ones has suffered the unexpected, and wrongful, loss of a loved one, it is beneficial for them to be familiar with how to bring a wrongful death claim for damages against the negligent driver or other negligent party responsible for their loss.