No experience can match the trauma of a loved one’s death. Unfortunately, the emotional grief is just the beginning. The surviving family may struggle to pay bills if the deceased was a primary source of income. This is where an injury attorney may be able to help.
According to Cornell University, families may be entitled to compensation if a loved one dies due to the negligent actions of another party. The most common cause of wrongful deaths is car accidents, but these incidents can happen almost anywhere – at any time.
If your family member died due to the reckless, negligent or malicious actions of another person, then contact the Law Office of Brian K. Branch. As an Albuquerque personal-injury attorney, Mr. Branch can guide you through the claims process.
You should not have to pay for funeral costs, medical bills and other losses out of your own pocket. Call 505-207-4401 to discuss your legal options.
In the meantime, read on to learn six damages that you may be able to claim in a wrongful death case:
- Funeral Costs
Funerals are exorbitantly expensive. Fortunately, your personal-injury attorney may be able to include these costs in your claim.
- Medical Treatment
It is likely that your loved one underwent medical treatment before his or her death. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars. You may be able to recover these expenses in a wrongful death claim.
- Lost Income
The loss of a loved one’s earnings can lead to overwhelming debt and eventual bankruptcy. A successful claim can provide some much-needed financial security.
- Loss of Consortium
Every member of a family plays a role in one another’s lives. The death of a parent, spouse, child or sibling has consequences for the entire family, such as the loss of physical protection, mental guidance and emotional support. Your personal-injury lawyer can claim for these as the “loss of consortium.”
- Lost Inheritance
When parents die prematurely, their children lose the material and financial gains that their parents could have earned in the remainder of their lives. You can claim this loss of inheritance against the at-fault party.
- Pain and Suffering
The death of a loved one can cause immense emotional trauma. If the death was the result of a malicious or grossly negligent act, then you may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering.
According to the New Mexico Compilation Commission, only the person who represents the deceased’s estate can make a wrongful death claim. Many people name their estate representative on wills or similar documents, but this is not always the case.
If you have questions about wrongful death claims, or if your loved one died due to another person’s negligence, then contact the Law Office of Brian K. Branch. Mr. Branch can evaluate your case to determine if bringing a claim would be in your best interests. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a consultation.