What are some common causes of wrongful death?
• car accidents • motorcycle accidents • medical malpractice • defective products • nursing home negligence and abuse • slip and fall accidents Who can file a wrongful death claim? Generally immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, can pursue a wrongful death claim. What types of damages are recoverable in a wrongful death claim? The following damages may be recovered in a wrongful death claim: • immediate expenses associated with the death (medical and funeral) • loss of victim’s anticipated earnings in the future until time of retirement or death • loss of benefits caused by the vicitim’s death (pension, medical coverage, etc.) • loss of inheritance caused by the untimely death • pain and suffering or mental anguish to the survivors • loss of care, protection, companionship to the survivors • general damages • punitive damages What are punitive damages? Punitive damages are awarded not to compensate the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant. As a result, pun
