Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, and when that loss is due to someone else’s negligence, the emotional pain is compounded by questions about justice and financial security. While no amount of money can ever replace a life, a wrongful death claim can provide a measure of accountability and help a grieving family cope with the economic hardship left behind.

A common question for grieving families is, “What is my loved one’s life worth?” From a legal standpoint, the value of a wrongful death claim is not an arbitrary number. It is a detailed calculation of the total financial and emotional losses, broken down into two main categories of damages.

Understanding the Types of Damages

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses that the surviving family members have suffered as a direct result of their loved one’s death. These are losses that have a clear, monetary value.

• Lost Future Income: This is often the largest component of a wrongful death claim. It calculates the income and benefits the deceased would have earned over their lifetime. A forensic economist is often hired by a lawyer to create a professional projection, considering factors like the deceased’s age, career, education, and earning potential, factoring in inflation, raises, and benefits.
• Medical Expenses: Any medical bills incurred by the deceased from the time of the injury until their death.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: The reasonable costs associated with the funeral, cremation, or burial services.
• Loss of Household Services: The monetary value of the services the deceased would have provided to the family, such as childcare, home maintenance, and other responsibilities.

Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for the emotional and personal losses that don’t have a direct price tag. These are often more difficult to calculate but are just as significant.

• Loss of Companionship, Comfort, and Guidance: The loss of love, affection, society, and companionship that the surviving family members would have received from the deceased. This is especially relevant for a surviving spouse or minor children.
• Pain and Suffering: The conscious physical pain and suffering the deceased experienced from the time of the injury until their death.
• Grief and Mental Anguish: The emotional distress, sorrow, and mental suffering of the surviving family members.

Some states may place caps on the amount of non-economic damages that can be awarded in certain wrongful death cases.

The Role of a Wrongful Death Attorney

Valuing a wrongful death claim is not something a family should do on their own. It requires meticulous investigation and expert analysis. An experienced attorney will:

• Gather Evidence: They will collect all the necessary documentation, including medical records, wage history, and funeral bills.
• Work with Experts: Lawyers partner with forensic economists and other experts to accurately project future losses and build a compelling case.
• Negotiate for a Fair Settlement: They will handle all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company, ensuring you don’t accept a lowball offer.
• Prove Fault: They will not only prove the damages but also the negligence that caused the death, which is the foundation of the entire claim.

While a settlement or jury award can’t bring back your loved one, it can provide the financial security and accountability needed to help you and your family rebuild your lives.

At LforLaw, we approach every wrongful death case with a compassionate heart and a dedication to seeking justice. We are here to help you understand your rights and ensure that the full value of your loss is recognized by the law.