Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, and it can be even more devastating when someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions cause the death. In Texas, families have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from your loved one’s wrongful death. These damages include lost earning capacity, medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and loss of inheritance. These aim to ease the financial burden that the death has caused.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages address the more intangible aspects of loss. These can be harder to quantify but are equally important. They include loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
These damages compensate for the emotional support, love, and companionship the deceased provided, as well as the emotional pain and suffering family members experience due to their loss.
Exemplary damages
In certain cases, the court may award exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages. These do not compensate the family but punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar actions in the future. Exemplary damages apply in cases where gross negligence or willful misconduct resulted in death.
Factors affecting compensation amounts
The amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death suit can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case.
Factors that influence the amount include the age, earning capacity, and health of the deceased. The court may also consider the nature of the relationship between the deceased and the family members, the circumstances surrounding the death, and the degree of negligence or misconduct involved.
Navigating the complexities of wrongful death compensation
Understanding the types of compensation available helps you better navigate this challenging time and ensures that you seek the full extent of the damages you deserve. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, it can ease the financial burden and provide some measure of justice.
