The death of a family member is never easy to handle. It’s even harder when the death is due to someone else’s negligence, and the family is left struggling to pay bills. That’s why the law allows families to file a lawsuit seeking wrongful death compensation, known as “damages” in legal terms. But there are different categories of damages that survivors deserve.
Generally speaking, damages can be two types: economic (or tangible) and non-economic (or intangible). Economic damages are items that have a well-defined cost, such as medical bills, funeral/burial expenses, damage to property, and the victim’s lost wages and future income. Non-economic losses can be harder to estimate, such as the pain, suffering and emotional scars caused by the death of your loved one and your loss of companionship and guidance.
Some states divide damages into estate claims and family claims. An estate claim seeks to recoup the expenses for the actual economic costs associated with the victim’s death, to pay things like hospital bills. Family claims ask for compensation for things like lost wages and pain and suffering.
Some states, including Tennessee and Mississippi, limit the amount of money that can be awarded in a wrongful death suit. Mississippi also specifies how the money is to be divided among survivors.
It’s difficult to put a price on a human life. But if you have a loved one who was a victim of a wrongful death, call The Cochran Firm Mid-South. Let us help you determine the fair amount of wrongful death compensation to seek. Our experienced team is just a phone call away, at 901-523-1222.
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