A wrongful death case occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. The surviving family members of a person can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable and seek financial compensation for the damages suffered due to the death. Several types of damages may be recovered in a wrongful death case.
It would help if you knew the type of damages you can recover in a wrongful death case and hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta when deciding to proceed legally.
Different types of damages you can recover in a wrongful death case:
- Economic damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate the family for their financial losses due to the death. Economic damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred as a result of the injury leading to the death
- Lost wages and benefits, including the loss of the deceased person’s future earning potential
- Loss of household services, such as childcare or home maintenance
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate the family for the intangible losses they have suffered due to the death. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased person before their death
- Loss of companionship and support
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium, such as the loss of the dead person’s love, affection, and companionship
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party for their actions and deter similar future behavior. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in wrongful death cases but may be granted if the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless.
How can damages be recovered in a wrongful death case?
To recover damages in a wrongful death case, the surviving family members must be able to prove that the negligence or wrongdoing of the responsible party caused the death. It may involve demonstrating that the responsible party owed a duty of care to the deceased person, that they breached this duty of care, and that the breach caused the death.
It is important to note that each state has laws governing wrongful death cases, and the types of damages available may vary. It is recommended to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Atlanta to understand the specific damages that may be recoverable in your case.
