In wrongful death claims, damages are designed to compensate the surviving relatives for their losses.
Calculating Compensation
An experienced wrongful death attorney could help a plaintiff calculate their potential recoverable damages, especially the non-economic damages. The total damages that can be recovered depend on the relationship between the surviving family member and the deceased loved one. For example, a husband and wife who are extremely close are typically rewarded more than an estranged child from a parent who they no longer have contact with. Additionally, things like how many children a plaintiff has, whether those children are still in the household, and whether they depended on the deceased to help rear and support the children are all relevant factors. An experienced attorney knows what the value or the range of values are for each level of closeness and could guide the plaintiff toward a fair settlement.
Calculating loss of support, or loss of future income, is more straightforward. An attorney would look at the deceased’s past earning records and their potential for raises. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
