We all hear about fatal car crashes on the nightly news, but do we actually take the time to think about the impact of a fatal car crash? Likely there are loved ones left behind, spouses and children who must move forward following the deadly collision. Doing so without their loved one in their life can be financially difficult. For this reason, they may want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
What is a wrongful death lawsuit?
Wrongful death lawsuits are essentially based on negligence. To prevail in a wrongful death lawsuit, you need to show the deceased was owed a duty, which was breached, that the breach led to your loved one’s death and that you suffered damages as a result. Generally, these damages are pecuniary in nature.
What are pecuniary damages?
Pecuniary damages are also referred to as economic damages. These are losses suffered due to the harm, in this case, wrongful death. Some examples of pecuniary damages include:
- Loss of income
- Loss of services
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral costs, and
- Medical expenses
Pecuniary damages are measurable. They are based on state law. Unlike punitive damages, they are not meant to punish the wrongdoer. They are only meant to compensate surviving family members for the economic harms suffered.
If you lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, you may want to learn more about your options. It may be the case that you could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Doing so can help you meet the many expenses you may face without your loved one in your life.
