The law in Oregon allows those harmed by others to take legal action in certain cases. Oftentimes, someone hurt due to the omissions or misconduct of another person takes action on their own behalf. However, sometimes people die after an incident, like a car crash, leaving their families to worry about justice and financial losses.
The personal representative of someone’s estate can potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal car crash or similar tragedy in Oregon. They can seek compensation that may help offset the losses experienced by the immediate family members of the deceased individual.
What losses may contribute to the overall value of a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon?
The funeral and medical expenses of the deceased
The law in Oregon permits those left behind after a premature death to seek compensation for the expenses that their loved one accrued due to their passing. The medical treatment that they required prior to their death and any other significant expenses, including funeral and burial costs, can contribute to the total value of the wrongful death lawsuit.
The pain and suffering of the deceased party
Frequently, fatal car crashes and similar incidents do not lead to instantaneous death. Instead, the person injured in the crash may suffer for quite some time before they succumb to their injuries. It is possible to request compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased party experienced as part of a wrongful death lawsuit. In some jurisdictions, a separate “survival action” may need to be filed in order to recover these damages.
The loss of support suffered by the family
The deceased individual likely provided personal guidance, companionship and practical support in the form of housework and income. Their sudden passing can have a major impact on the quality of life of their surviving family members. A wrongful death lawsuit can include a request for compensation for the loss of support and companionship and other losses directly related to someone’s passing, such as the income that they can no longer earn.
Families grieving after someone’s death may struggle to put a price on that loss. Discussing a tragedy with a lawyer can help families better evaluate their options after a tragedy that may justify a wrongful death lawsuit. Those willing to go to civil court after a preventable tragedy caused by another’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing can pursue justice for their loved ones and for themselves.