What Damages Can Surviving Family Members Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim in Macon

Families affected by a loved one’s death may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Legal situations are complex and families may not have the knowledge of how to pursue financial recovery. Losing a family member unexpectedly or accidentally is always devastating for those left behind. Given the complexity of a wrongful death case, families should consider hiring a Macon wrongful death attorney who fights for the compensation they deserve. An experienced lawyer knows how to establish a case and pursue maximum compensation for their clients. They ensure surviving families can recover all the damages they suffer including the following:

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages in wrongful death claims include monetary recovery for medical bills, lost physical property, funeral expenses, and other documented expenses that have a specific dollar value. 

In addition, a wrongful death claim can include recovery for pain and suffering. This is possible when the deceased did not pass away right after an accident-related injury. 

Survival Action Claim

In wrongful death cases, claimants can make separate legal claims. The first claim is an estate claim for monetary recovery on specific items like funeral and burial costs, medical bills, and lost wages. Also, property damage applies in car accident cases. It includes the amount that can be recovered for non-economic general damages, which are considered the property’s estate and must go through probate. In addition, claimants can be awarded punitive damages if their case goes to court and their lawyer can prove a sympathetic injury happened due to gross negligence. 

Full Value of Life Claim

This type of claim is assigned as the family’s property. It can be paid based on a schedule ordered by a court. The decedent’s legal wife automatically gets the right to file this claim. If the decedent wasn’t married, their children can do the filing. Those who have no children should be represented by their living parents. Children from previous relationships or marriages may also file a claim. The full value of a life claim can include recovery for lost future financial support, lost relationship with a parent, lost consortium, as well as mental and emotional anguish. 

Because wrongful death claims are often complicated, surviving family members must choose good legal counsel. They need to hire an aggressive and compassionate lawyer who has an established reputation and track record of success. This lawyer will fight for their rights to monetary compensation.