You can claim a raft of damages if you lose a loved one to the negligence of another party. Learning more about them is crucial as it will help you get the compensation you deserve and ensure you look out for your interests during the entire process.
In rare situations, punitive damages – those meant solely to punish the other party for their actions – are awarded. Most of the time, however, damages are classified as either economic or non-economic.
Economic and non-economic damages explained
Economic or special damages include the direct financial loss caused by your loved one’s death. They include the loss of financial contribution or financial support, funeral and burial costs and the loss of benefits such as medical coverage and pension plans. These damages can be proven and established using existing records or documents.
On the other hand, non-economic or general damages, do not result in direct monetary loss. They do not have a dollar value assigned to them. Still, it does not diminish their significance. Such damages include the loss of one’s quality of life, emotional anguish, mental suffering and loss of consortium caused by your loved one’s death, among others.
The value of your claim depends on these damages
You must factor in all the damages you suffered when determining the value of your wrongful death claim. This should inform you of the amount you may be entitled to as compensation. If you receive a settlement offer that is way below your expectation, it helps to understand your options and what you can do to get justice.
Getting the proper assistance with your wrongful death claim is advisable as it will help you make sense of everything and ensure you protect your rights as the close kin of the deceased.
