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Dedicated To Helping Injured
People

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What damages can a family recover in a wrongful death lawsuit?

On Behalf of | Jul 26, 2017 | Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

When a family in Louisiana loses a loved one it can be a very difficult time for them. Sometimes a family may take for granted some of the things that a loved one provides for them. This could be emotional support, simply helping with daily household tasks, financial support through a job and many other things they may provide. However, family members quickly realize what a loved one provided after they are no longer there.

Realizing the loss is hard enough, especially if the person passed unexpectedly in a fatal car accident, but trying to replace it can be even more difficult. Some aspects such as the emotional loss may never truly be filled but some of the other aspects of the loss, such as the financial loss, can be replaced.

People generally replace the financial loss through wrongful death lawsuits, if the death was caused by the negligence of another. These lawsuits seek compensation from the person would caused the death and can replace much of the financial loss.

However, determining the extent of that financial loss can be difficult. The family is not just entitled to a lump sum based on what a person was currently earning at the time of death. The family may be entitled to future loss earnings as well. So, there are a number of factors to consider such as the victim’s age and health at the time of death, their current earnings, how long they would have continued working, any raises or increased income they may have earned in the future and other factors. If the victim had children, the family may also be able to recover the monetary amount for the services that the victim provided to the family as well.

Unfortunately many people die unexpectedly in fatal accidents in Louisiana every year. These can be devastating for the family of the victim. It can leave a huge void in their lives both emotionally and financially. The family may be entitled to compensation for their loss. Experienced attorneys understand the devastation of these unexpected deaths and may be a useful resource.

Source: injury.findlaw.com, “Wrongful Death Overview,” accessed on July 24, 2017