When you lose a loved one, you know that life for your entire family will change. It can be particularly traumatic and stressful when the death your family experienced was unexpected, perhaps the result of a tragic accident. This can leave your family in a difficult position as you try to pick up the pieces and move forward. It is not easy to grieve as you are facing this complex situation, dealing with financial loss and navigating the immediate aftermath of the accident.
You may determine that the ideal way forward is for you to pursue compensation through a civil claim. A wrongful death claim is an option for those who lost a loved one as a direct result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person. If you are unsure of your options for your situation, you may benefit from an assessment of your case and explanation of how your family can pursue financial recovery.
The value of your claim
No amount of financial compensation will reverse what you went through and bring back your loved one. However, it is your right to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable for the losses your family experienced due to the wrongful death, as well as mental and emotional duress. Every case is different, but some of the factors that can affect the value of a wrongful death claim include:
- The lost income of the decedent
- Burial expenses and cost of the funeral
- Medical bills of the decedent before his or her death
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of love and companionship
- The decedent’s pain and suffering before death
The compensation sought in a wrongful death claim may provide your family with the financial resources necessary to address your losses and secure what you need to face a future without your loved one. Compensation and damages differ on a case-by-case basis, and the amount is determined by details specific to your claim.
Looking ahead
The unexpected death of a loved one because of a tragic accident is devastating for the entire Pennsylvania family. While you cannot undo what has occurred, you can take steps that will provide you and your loved ones with hope during this difficult time. As wrongful death claims are time-sensitive, you will benefit from seeking guidance regarding the specific legal options available to you and how you can take the first steps in this process.
Thomas Waffenschmidt
Attorney
Thomas Waffenschmidt has served on the Pennsylvania Association for Justice since 1990 and has been a board member from 1999 through 2014. He has also served on the board of the Lycoming Law Association since 2008 and served as president in 2014.
Author's Bio