Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

March 14, 2023

When a family member passes as the result of a wrongful death, the family will be emotionally devastated and financially burdened. The consequences of wrongful death can impact a family for years to come. Of course, emotional healing is a journey and we always recommend family members who have lost a loved one seek necessary professional help to guide them in the grieving process. We also recommend that families who have lost a loved one to a wrongful death seek professional help to understand what they may be able to recover on behalf of that family member’s Estate.

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death case involves a death caused by the negligence, actions, or inactions of another party. This type of unexpected death can leave loved ones without that family member’s income as well as a significant amount of medical bills and funeral expenses.

The burden of losing a loved one is heavy enough, you shouldn’t also have to carry this financial burden. For this reason, The Richards Firm is passionate about representing those who have lost a loved one. Let us ease the burden of the legal system and ultimately help you recover the damages you are owed.

Economic Vs. Non-economic damages

In a wrongful death claim, family members can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate loved ones for expenses related to the descendant’s passing. This includes expenses that can be verified through medical bills, receipts, and more. Non-economic damages compensate loved ones for expenses that are not represented by a dollar sign. Those damages can include the loss of the deceased family member’s companionship, care, guidance, assistance, protection, attention, instruction, counsel, consortium, among other things.

With this in mind, below are some common damages you can recover in a wrongful death claim. These damages include:

Funeral and burial expenses
Costs of medical care received before loved ones’ death
Lost income and financial support
Estimated value of the household and child care services the deceased would have contributed to the family
The amount by which an inheritance was reduced because of the untimely death.
Loss of the deceased family member’s companionship, care, guidance, assistance, protection, attention, instruction, counsel, consortium, among other things.
The mental anguish caused by the death to the surviving family members.

Wrongful Death Attorney Near Cincinnati, Ohio

The damages sought in a wrongful death claim depend largely on the losses of the surviving spouse, children, or other family members. If you have a loved one who was killed by the negligent behavior of another, please contact The Richards Firm today, so that we can get started collecting the necessary evidence to prove your case.