Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Any death in the family can be a tragedy, but there is perhaps nothing worse than when that loss is a result of wrongful death. When a family member is lost due to the reckless or negligent actions of another, there is really nothing that can ease that pain or trauma. Wrongful death results in significant emotional and financial damages for family members. Our attorneys at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC understand the emotional impact of a wrongful death, and we also understand the laws surrounding these cases. We will work aggressively for our clients to ensure that those who have suffered the trauma of a wrongful death are justly compensated. Wrongful death damages can be significant for our Salt Lake City clients. Although compensation will not take away their pain, it is one small step in ensuring that justice is served.

Wrongful Death Damages

While it can be difficult to calculate the full extent of the damages that result from an untimely death, the court does try to substantiate these losses in such a way that victims of wrongful death (the surviving family members) can be compensated to some degree for their loss. Typically, these losses can be classified into financial losses and non-financial losses. While each case is unique, clients may be able to seek compensation in one or both of these areas.

• Financial losses: Whether it is a parent, spouse, or child that is lost, there are bound to be significant financial damages associated with that loss. As such, clients can seek financial compensation for the financial burdens that result from the wrongful death. Examples of financial damages include medical costs that were incurred before the death, funeral costs, and the potential loss of income from that family member.
• Non-financial losses: Non-financial losses are meant to compensate patients for some of the emotional damages that result from a wrongful death. Some damages that may be considered a non-financial loss include emotional pain and suffering, the loss of companionship, and a loss of the services that were typically provided by that family member. While no amount of money can make up for these emotional losses, the court does try to provide ample compensation for these non-financial damages.

Although these are the two primary types of damages associated with a wrongful death case, some clients may also be able to seek compensation for punitive damages. Punitive damages may be awarded if it is shown that the defendant was obviously negligent in their actions, or if their actions were intentional. Punitive damages are meant as a means of punishing the defendant for their liability in the wrongful death. Again, while no amount of money will erase the pain of losing a loved one, our attorneys will work hard to ensure that maximum compensation is provided to our clients.

Contact Us

If you are suffering as the result of a wrongful death in your family, contact us at your earliest convenience to speak with one of our experienced attorneys at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC. We care about your loss and will work diligently to ensure that you are justly compensated for the damages that you have suffered. We look forward to working with you.