When a tragic accident results in the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to move forward. Ongoing medical treatment and the resulting bills may make moving forward even harder. In the event of a wrongful death, you don’t have to be stuck paying for medical bills or funeral expenses. The at-fault party should be held liable.
How does that happen? As a surviving family member of a deceased accident victim, you could have the right to file survivorship and wrongful death claims to be compensated for the medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of life, etc.
We have already talked a bit about how a wrongful death attorney near Hamilton, Ohio will help you calculate lost wages in your wrongful death suit but another defining factor of the total amount of damages you are seeking will come down to the life expectancy of your lost loved one.
How is Life Expectancy Calculated?
One of the goals of a wrongful death lawsuit is for surviving family members to receive compensation for the financial and emotional support they would have received from the victim in the future. This means the life expectancy of the deceased matters. Here are some factors that help determine life expectancy:
- Age- In general, the older the victim, the fewer years they are expected to live. Younger victims with many years of employment left tend to result in larger compensation awards.
- Sex- On average, women live longer than men.
- Health- The victim’s health prior to the accident will also be a factor in determining life expectancy. Victims with chronic illnesses are expected to have shorter lives than victims who were in perfect health.
- Lifestyle- Lifestyle factors will also be used to determine life expectancy. People who engage in risky activities such as rock climbing will be considered to have lower life expectancies. This is also the case for smokers or people who have a sedentary lifestyle.
- Life expectancy tables- The Social Security Administration has created life expectancy tables which can be followed in many cases and are recognized by many courts.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Hamilton, Ohio
An experienced wrongful death attorney will be able to gather the necessary information and evidence to establish a reasonable and fair life expectancy for your lost loved one.
The Richards Firm is experienced in helping family members recover damages in wrongful death lawsuits. If you have lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, it could be time to contact a wrongful death attorney.
We can be reached at 513-868-2731, ext. 219 or visit us at https://richardsinjuryfirm.com.
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