Non-Economic Damages In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When people lose loved ones in accidents, financial concerns are sometimes quite notable. For example, a spouse who loses their partner may be left alone to raise children on only a small fraction of the family’s former income. They may also be stuck with medical bills that their spouse incurred on their deathbed. Finally, they need to worry about the funeral expenses. All of these are considered “economic damages” because they involve money. But as many of us know, financial issues only represent a small portion of the loss associated with the death of a loved one. The emotional and psychological impact of losing a family member can be much more severe, and these are considered “non-economic” damages. So what kind of non-economic damages can you claim in a wrongful death lawsuit?
This question is perhaps best left answered by a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania. These legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible results, guiding you towards a fair, adequate settlement for everything you have been forced to endure. Although you might be struggling with a range of problems during this difficult time, it’s best to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Due to the statute of limitations, you may be unable to sue if you delay unnecessarily.
Workers’ Comp Claims Do Not Allow for Non-Economic Damages
The first thing you need to know is that if your loved one passed away due to some kind of work-related accident, you may not have the ability to recover non-economic damages. This is because since you are not allowed to sue your loved one’s employer directly for negligence, you will need to file a workers’ comp claim instead. Although these workers’ comp claims can provide you with considerable compensation for this tragedy (including missed future wages), the system does not allow for non-economic damages.
Examples of Non-Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Non-economic damages are often referred to in a somewhat vague and general manner with phrases like “emotional distress” or “pain & suffering.” With that said, non-economic damages can also take the form of much more specific issues.
One of the damages you can claim is the loss of companionship that your loved one provided. This could potentially provide compensation for the lack of protection, care, guidance, and nurturing that would have otherwise been provided. Another separate damage is known as “loss of consortium,” and this provides compensation for the absence of “intimate” benefits provided by the relationship.
It is best to speak with your attorney about the specific type of non-economic damages you might want to claim, since each situation is slightly different.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you’ve been searching for a Scranton personal injury lawyer who can assist you with your wrongful death lawsuit, look no further than Needle Law Firm. With our assistance, you can approach this difficult situation in a highly effective, confident manner – ensuring you receive adequate compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Book your consultation as soon as possible to start working on an action plan immediately.
