When a family loses its primary breadwinner in a fatal accident, the loss affects nearly every part of daily life. There is the immediate grief of losing a spouse, parent or other loved one. At the same time, the family may suddenly have to figure out how to pay the mortgage, cover everyday expenses and plan for a future that now looks very different.
A wrongful death claim may provide a way for the deceased person’s family to seek compensation for their losses. While no amount of money can replace the emotional loss, it may help relieve some of the financial strain.
The loss goes beyond a paycheck
A person’s financial contribution to a family usually isn’t limited to just their regular paycheck. Their employment may also have provided health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses and other benefits. Losing those benefits creates additional financial pressure for surviving family members.
There are also the non-economic losses. The deceased may also have provided other valuable services at home, such as transportation, home and lawn maintenance or other household responsibilities. The financial effects of losing a breadwinner can continue for decades.
A fatal accident can also result in significant expenses before and after death. If the victim survived for a period of time after the accident, the family may have to deal with the costs associated with emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgery, medication and other medical treatment. Funeral and burial expenses can create another substantial financial burden.
The emotional loss is just as significant. Losing a spouse or parent can mean losing companionship, guidance, support and the everyday relationship that makes up an important part of family life. These losses can’t be measured as easily as medical bills or lost wages. No formula can determine the value of someone’s role in their family.
No financial award can undo the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death claim is about more than assigning a dollar amount to someone’s life. What a wrongful death claim does is provide a legal mechanism for recognizing the economic and non-economic losses caused by a wrongful death. For a family that has suddenly lost its primary source of financial support, pursuing a claim may help address some of the financial consequences while seeking accountability for the conduct or negligence that caused the death.
