What Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

No monetary award can fully compensate someone who has lost a loved one prematurely because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct. However, West Virginia law does attempt to give family members some form of legal relief while holding the responsible parties accountable. In a wrongful death suit, various types of damages are available, and an experienced attorney can maximize your recovery for each type of harm.

If a family member has died and you are being offered a quick settlement by the responsible party or their insurance company, accepting it might significantly reduce your financial recovery. A qualified lawyer can help you assess what types of relief you are entitled to under the West Virginia wrongful death statute, including:

• Medical costs — If the victim received medical treatment before his death, that cost can be recovered just as it would be in a personal injury suit.
• Funeral expenses — Burial and funeral expenses pose serious hardship to many families who are dealing with an unexpected death. Payment for these items can be awarded in a wrongful death judgment.
• Unearned wages and benefits — Determining how much the decedent would have earned through the rest of their lifetime is a detailed process. A knowledgeable lawyer will conduct a thorough review to secure a settlement or verdict that accounts for the full extent of lost wages and work-related benefits.
• Mental anguish and loss of companionship — It can seem very difficult to attach a figure to the sorrow and loss of companionship that accompanies the death of someone close to you. Using information from past cases, a reputable wrongful death law firm can advise you on what you can expect.

Coping with an untimely death is always a struggle, especially when it could have been avoided. Don’t add to your troubles by failing to pursue the compensation your family deserves. The statute of limitations for these claims is two years from the date of death, so it is important to seek prompt assistance from an accomplished wrongful death litigator.

Prim Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for West Virginia clients in asbestos litigation and other wrongful death cases. Please call 304-721-4619 or contact us online  to schedule a free initial consultation regarding your situation. Our office is in Hurricane.