Losing a loved one can be one of the most devastating things that a family has ever experienced. This is especially true when a loved one has lost their lives in a sudden and unexpected car accident. Though many people may feel hesitant about putting themselves through the stress of a legal action, attorneys will tell you that it is a good idea to bring a wrongful death claim against a party who has caused you harm.

The damages that you receive for an injury claim depend on what your claim is worth, which means its financial value. As you can probably imagine, it is not easy and nearly impossible to place a financial value on a person’s life, which is why wrongful death claims are entirely complex. There are many types of damages that may be available for you in a wrongful death claim.

Damages Available Due to Wrongful Death

Medical Bills: In many cases, a person who loses their life due to an accident will first sustain medical treatment related to their injuries. Even one ambulance trip to the hospital can cost thousands of dollars, which is why many people who are responsible for these bills will ask for compensation from a negligent party. 

Funeral Costs: On top of the medical bills, funerals are also incredibly expensive. A family member should not have to deal with the stress of grieving while they pay for a funeral that they cannot afford. By awarding these damages, families will not have to worry about the economic losses caused by the death of their loved one. 

Loss of Income: Loss of income damages are very prevalent in cases due to the fact that, oftentimes, the victim was a wage earner. Your income may be significantly reduced if you have lost a loved one, which is why you are entitled to these damages as well.

Care of a Child: If the victim was a stay-at-home parent, this can have a huge financial toll on a family who is now expected to receive childcare for their children. Courts will help you calculate how much childcare and services are for your family so that you receive what you have lost for the future. 

Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are awarded to family members who have suffered the sudden loss of their loved ones. It is not uncommon for family members to suffer emotional distress after an accident because accidents can be incredibly traumatic when they come with unexpected losses. 

Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are meant to deter others from engaging in negligent acts in the future. These damages are not meant as a reward for the victim, but a punishment for the at-fault party. By awarding these damages to a family, they may feel whole again and others will think first before they engage in distracted driving, drunk driving, and other reckless acts.

How You Can Compensate for Damages After the Loss of a Loved One 

After losing somebody close to you, you may find that you are entitled to a wide array of damages so that you and your family can feel whole again. At Sheftall & Associates, our Florida wrongful death attorneys have helped numerous victims work toward compensation after losing somebody they love. Our personal injury attorneys have years of experience and resources to help you achieve the justice you deserve. Please contact a Florida accident attorney at (904) 575-9026 for more information on how we can assist you in your time of need.