Following a fatal accident, families may wonder what they can do about their unexpected damages they have suffered. Whether their loved one was injured and killed in a work-related accident or because of an occupational illness or some other type of accident, it is important for them to know about the legal protections available to them.
Wrongful death legal protections
A wrongful death claim for damages can be brought in circumstances when a third party’s negligence resulted in the death of the victim. Surviving family members of the victim may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages to recover compensation for their damages. The wrongful death claim for damages may be brought by the victim’s spouse; the children of the victim; the parents of the victim; and the personal representative of the victim’s estate for the benefit of surviving family members.
Damages that may be recovered by surviving family members in a wrongful death case can include lost earnings of the victim; loss of support and services for the surviving family members; medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses; and pain and suffering damages. Surviving family members of victims of fatal accidents can suffer unexpected emotional and financial damages they may be left unprepared for.
Whether or not wrongful death legal protections or workers’ compensation protections may help surviving loved ones depends on the situation and circumstances. For that reason, it is helpful to have trained guidance through the process to ensure surviving family members receive the help they need.