The unexpected death of a loved one can leave families struggling emotionally and financially. If another person’s negligence has caused the death, filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a must. These cases let families pursue compensation for several death-related losses. The future stability of your family depends on knowing the kinds of losses you are eligible for.
Because of Philadelphia’s dense population and complicated legal procedures, families from the city can face special difficulties seeking wrongful death claims. A wrongful death attorney in Philadelphia can negotiate with the claims adjuster to get the compensation your family is due. Let’s discuss the several losses you could be entitled to in such circumstances.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses leading up to the death of your loved one can be overwhelming. These costs often cover:
- Emergency treatments
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Medications taken after the fatal event.
Families might seek compensation to pay for these expenses, therefore relieving inherited medical debt.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
Following the death of a loved one, funeral costs represent another major financial burden. These expenses include:
- The funeral service
- Burial plot or cremation
- Coffin
- Other related burial expenses.
A wrongful death lawsuit allows families to seek relief during a difficult period by means of compensation for these necessary expenses.
Loss of Income and Benefits
The death of a primary earner might leave a family in a financial crisis. You can claim for lost income, including potential earnings the dead would have brought in should they still be living. This claim also covers lost benefits such as bonuses that would have helped the family, health insurance, and retirement contributions.
Pain and Suffering
Before their death, your loved one went through emotional and physical agony. This category also addresses the emotional toll the sad loss places on surviving family members. Families might get compensated for their emotional pain, loss, and disruption of life brought on by a loved one passing away.
Loss of Companionship and Guidance
Many times, the loss of a loved one creates an emotional hole that is difficult to fill. While children may seek damages for lost parental guidance and support, surviving spouses can claim for the loss of companionship. These claims acknowledge the long-term emotional toll family members suffer.
Property Damage
Should an accident involving property damage kill your loved one, you may also be entitled to compensation for those losses. This covers damage to:
- Cars
- Personal items, including the family house.
Such claims guarantee families can recover their belongings free from more financial burden.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Many times, the death of a loved one reduces the quality of life for the surviving relatives. This loss includes not being able to share significant events or engage in once-joyful activities. Compensation for this loss acknowledges the significant impact on the general welfare of the family.
Punitive Damages
Families may seek punitive damages in situations if the death resulted from deliberate or irresponsible behavior. These damages seek to punish the liable party and stop such events from being repeated by others. Though not usually given, they are a useful tool for accountability.