The loss of a loved one after a car accident can be an unexpected tragedy. Survivors, such as a spouse, children, siblings and parents, may wonder if they can hold drivers liable if a car accident causes fatal injuries to a loved one. Even though money can never fully replace the loss of someone you hold dear, a wrongful death claim can hold liable parties responsible for their actions. This brings justice for the deceased and the financial means for their family to move forward.
Many people are unfamiliar with wrongful death claims. A “wrongful” death is any that is caused by another party’s negligent, reckless or deliberate and unlawful actions. Here is what you should know:
What type of compensation can survivors recover?
Funeral expenses are one of the most common types of compensation victims seek when filing a wrongful death claim. These expenses may include funeral services, burial plots and cremation. However, survivors may need to be aware of the other types of compensation they could recover with a successful claim.
A surviving family member may have relied on their deceased loved one financially. The deceased may have provided the only source of income for a family, entitled a spouse to health insurance or contributed to retirement savings. The loss of a loved one may deny a family years of financial stability. A family may seek damages for future income loss.
The victim of a car accident may not have died immediately in a car accident. They may have been taken to a hospital where medical practitioners attempted to treat their wounds. As a result, a family may be responsible for large medical bills. Medical expenses may be recovered with a successful wrongful death claim.
Surviving family members may need to reach out for legal guidance to learn about their compensation options. With the right help, survivors may recover maximum compensation for their losses.