When an individual or business causes someone’s death, they could eventually face a wrongful-death claim. Both wrongful acts and negligence can lead to liability claims brought either by a representative of someone’s estate or their surviving family members.
After a tragic loss, families often have to deal with substantial financial setbacks in addition to their grief. Wrongful death lawsuits give these families an opportunity to recoup those losses and hold someone accountable for the impact of their actions on the family.
The compensation available depends on each unique situation
Certain kinds of compensation are essentially universal in Arizona wrongful death claims. A wrongful death claim often includes the lost wages that the deceased person would have contributed toward their family over the years. There will also be funeral expenses for the deceased and burial costs. In addition, family members may have claims for the loss of companionship and support provided by the deceased.
Sometimes a wrongful death claim includes the value of the services the deceased would have provided their family. For example, a stay-at-home parent might not have wages, but they may have been the primary caretaker of their children, homemaker and more.
If the deceased didn’t die instantly, there may also be a “survival action,” which is a claim that functions much like a personal injury claim on the behalf of the deceased. This can allow the victim’s estate to claim compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering and more.
Knowing what compensation you can ask for can help you maximize the benefit of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. When a loved one’s life was cut short unfairly, you have every right to hold the liable party responsible for their actions.
