What Damages Can I Recover as Part of a Wrongful Death Claim?

How can a top injury law firm help you after a tragic death or loss?

The sudden and tragic death of a relative can be heart-wrenching. However, if their death was the result of someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, this loss can feel especially devastating. While filing a wrongful death lawsuit can’t fill the void left in the wake of your loved one’s death, it can help you hold the liable parties accountable for the damage they’ve caused.

In this article, we take a look at some of the losses you may be able to pursue as part of a wrongful death claim in New Jersey with the help of some of New Jersey’s best injury lawyers.

Common Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The damages in a wrongful death claim are intended to compensate the deceased’s estate and surviving relatives for the losses they’ve incurred as a result of the deceased’s death. While you cannot recover compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional distress as part of such a claim, you may be able to file a separate suit against the liable party/parties if you are able to prove that you or other surviving relatives experienced considerable mental distress due to your loved one’s death.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the damages that are commonly available to surviving family members in a wrongful death suit:

• Loss of Services: From cooking meals to cleaning the household to taking care of the kids, the deceased may have had many responsibilities around the home. In the wake of their death, someone—whether it’s you, another family member, or a professional—likely had to step in to oversee these duties. Did you have to hire a babysitter to take care of your children? Were you forced to make use of a meal prep service because you didn’t have time to cook? Did you have to pay for a cleaning service? Even if you or another family took over these responsibilities, you may still be able to recover compensation for the expense of these replacement services.

• Lost Income: If you were financially dependent on the deceased, it’s likely that their death has plunged you into a tumultuous financial situation. However, you may be able to recover compensation for the income and benefits the deceased would’ve generated had he or she lived. Your lawyer may need to consult with vocational and financial experts to help estimate fair compensation for such losses as there are many factors that could affect the value of lost wages such as the deceased’s career trajectory and their salary prior to their death.

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Burying a loved one isn’t just emotionally devastating; it can also cost a small fortune. From the cost of purchasing a coffin to paying for the service itself, the average funeral can set you back thousands of dollars. Fortunately, such costs may be recoverable as part of your claim. You should compile any relevant receipts, invoices, and estimates to share with your lawyer during your free case review.

• Medical Costs: Whether these expenses were covered by the deceased themselves, or you and other family members had to chip in to cover the deceased’s bills, any medical expenses the deceased incurred as a result of the accident that caused their death may be recoverable as part of the claim.

Discuss Your Situation with a Wrongful Death Attorney in New Jersey

Did you lose a loved one in an accident? It may be in your best interests to speak to a top New Jersey wrongful death attorney. While no amount of money can ever bring your loved one back, filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party/parties could help give you a sense of closure and give you the funds you need to get your life back on track.

At the Clark Law Firm, we know what it takes to achieve a favorable outcome. From the moment you pick up the phone we will treat you with dignity, compassion, and respect. Contact us today at 1-877-841-8855 or head over to our Online Contact Page to arrange a free case assessment.