For many people, the thought of suing after a wrongful death case can be confusing. After they’ve already suffered the loss of a loved one, having one more thing to handle can seem overwhelming. While, in general, people believe that filing a wrongful death claim is only helpful for medical expenses, there is much more to being compensated for a wrongful death than for outstanding hospital bills – however that is a big one.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
On average, a funeral can cost between $7,000 – $10,000. That is a hefty price for any family, especially one that has recently lost a beloved member. If not included in the funeral cost, a burial can cost up to around $1,000. Even for a well-off family, spending one dollar on a wrongful death can be infuriating. When dealing with a wrongful death case, it is a complex and emotional time for everyone involved. No monetary compensation will never make up for a life; that is not what a wrongful death case is about. Wrongful death claims are meant to help the grieving family and loved ones in the process of their loss, aiding the financial burdens in any way possible.
Pain & Suffering
Another seemingly incalculable element, pain and suffering, is another major form of compensation in wrongful death claims. Pain and suffering is calculated differently for each individual case. Sometimes it is a multiple of the person’s income, other times it may be a multiplication of the hospital bills. The money won from pain and suffering may be used to commemorate the loss of the loved one; living out a dream of theirs. This can be in a charitable sense, or fulfilling a goal or business venture they always strived for. It is not meant to make up for any loss.
Inheritance
If a deceased person did not have a will, their heirs may not have rights to their estate or inheritance. In the case of wrongful death, a claim may help relieve at least a portion of the owed inheritance, if not all.
Hospital and Medical Expenses
Last but not least, wrongful death claims may cover the cost of hospital bills or additional medical expenses involved. For a family to be dealing with a death, and also medical bills on top of it, can be a very stressful and upsetting time. While, again, no amount of money can recover the loss of a life, the compensation received for medical expenses are meant to do nothing more than relieve the family of any financial burdens.
In conclusion, filing for a wrongful death claim is not about recovering for a loss. It is about relieving the financial burdens that come with medical and funeral expenses. If you or a loved one has experienced a wrongful death in your family, you may be able to file a claim. For assistance, the attorneys at Buckingham & Vega will gladly answer any questions you have about your wrongful death case. Working with families, as a family.