In wrongful death claims, non-economic damages are used to compensate for the intangible losses that survivors suffer as a result of the death of a loved one. These damages serve the purpose of addressing the emotional and psychological impact of the deceased’s absence in the lives of their family members.
Non-economic damages can be claimed by a spouse, parent, sibling, or any other individual who was close to the deceased and has been impacted by the loss.
Seattle residents might find it hard to deal with the complications involved in a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations, the legal jargon, and the complex process will be too much for someone who is going through the loss of a family member.
In such situations, it helps to seek legal assistance to file a wrongful death claim in Seattle. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Some of the common non-economic damages claims recoverable in wrongful death cases involve the following:
This typically addresses the emotional void left behind by the absence of the deceased. Emphasis is laid on the role the deceased played in the family dynamic and how their death has impacted the survivor’s quality of life.
Family members, particularly close ones such as spouses, parents, and children, often rely on the deceased for emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Losing a loved one often leads to loneliness, and this type of compensation seeks to acknowledge such a loss.
Similar to the loss of companionship is the loss of consortium, which addresses the deprivation of love, intimacy, and care that the deceased provided to the surviving spouse. This damage is viewed as deeply personal as it reflects the unique bond that the deceased shared in the marital context.
Surviving spouses are bound to suffer far greater emotional pain from the physical and emotional absence of their partners. This compensation underscores the irreplaceable role a spouse plays in the life of their partner.
Death causes emotional trauma, and survivors will always struggle with grief, depression, and the feeling of emptiness. No monetary award can fulfill or alleviate these emotions but only address and acknowledge the pain and suffering that have been endured by the surviving family members.
Courts will always consider the survivors’ relationship with the deceased and the circumstances of death to determine what is the appropriate compensation to be awarded.
The process of proving non-economic damages claims can be tiresome because the courts and insurance companies will require compelling evidence to demonstrate the depth of the loss suffered by the survivors. Factors such as the age of the deceased, the relationships with the survivors, and the extent of emotional and physical impact on the family are normally prioritized.
Survivors need to seek help from family attorneys so that they can access expert evaluations and personal accounts that can substantiate their claims before a judge or jury. This is because the availability and scope of non-economic damages often vary by state.
Non-economic damages in wrongful death claims provide a means for the justice system to acknowledge irreplaceable losses and compensate the survivors accordingly. Understanding how such damages come about and what to claim helps survivors better navigate the legal system and seek justice for their loved ones.
