If someone causes your loved one’s death, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Often, a wrongful death lawsuit can result in financial compensation for the wrongful act or failure to act. There are several aspects to consider when determining the amount of compensation that you can seek.
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Pain and Suffering
The wrongful death of a loved one can be a devastating experience. In addition to the immediate loss of a loved one, the surviving family members may also suffer tremendous pain and suffering. While pain and suffering cannot be quantified like financial loss, these losses are often still recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit. The state may even cover pain and suffering. Pain and suffering could be included in a wrongful death lawsuit if the wrongful death occurred as a result of the negligence of another.
In addition to the financial loss, the family members can also seek damages for their emotional pain and suffering. These damages are often very substantial. They are intended to compensate family members for their emotional turmoil from losing a loved one. Economic damages, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income, are generally more quantifiable.
Pain and suffering damages in a wrongful death lawsuit may be a different cause of action. The decedent’s family often brings these claims, but wrongful death attorney Tampa FL, insurance companies, and others can also bring them. Although these claims can be difficult and mentally draining, many cases end in early settlements.
Statute of Limitations
There is a statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit, which limits the time a family has to file a lawsuit. This rule is based on the concept that disputes should be resolved within a set amount of time so that witnesses, evidence, and memories can remain intact. Once a certain amount of time has passed, courts may decide that the case should be dismissed. The statute of limitations differs from state to state.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit differs for each state. In some states, a person has a year to file a lawsuit after the death of their loved one. In other states, a person has two years. In South Carolina, however, a person must file a wrongful death lawsuit three years after the deceased person’s passing.
Wrongful death actions are time-consuming. Lawyers must assemble significant evidence to prove that the at-fault party was responsible for the death. Therefore, waiting until the statute of limitations is extended can be a mistake that may result in your case being dismissed.
Financial Recovery
The amount of financial recovery you can receive in a wrongful death lawsuit depends on the circumstances of the case. You may be entitled to recover economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages cover things like medical bills and funeral expenses. You may also be able to recover money for the loss of the deceased person’s earnings. Emotional losses are more challenging to quantify, but an experienced lawyer can make your case.
Wrongful death lawsuits are complicated and involve many parties. Some cases settle before trial, while others proceed to a verdict. The amount of financial recovery you can receive will depend on the law of your state. Your attorney can help you with your case and determine how much you can recover. They will also explain other factors that affect damages.
The cost of medical bills and funeral expenses can make wrongful death a significant financial burden. A wrongful death lawsuit can help you recover these expenses. Funeral costs in the U.S. typically range from $7,000 to $10,000. If you or a loved one had suffered a wrongful death, you could claim financial recovery for those expenses and medical bills.
