It is always difficult when people lose loved ones, but some losses can be more difficult than others. Some people lose their loved ones after a long, full life while others die far too young from various illnesses. However, in both of these situations family and loved ones may have some time to prepare for life without the loved one.
While it is not easy to lose a loved one even if there is time to prepare, it can be even more difficult when people lose a loved one suddenly. Many people die in fatal accidents each year. There is no way to prepare for losing a loved one in this manner and it can leave families in a very difficult situation both emotionally and financially. Families will never be able to replace the loved one, but they may be able to receive compensation to at least alleviate some of their financial difficulties.
Families may be able to receive compensation from the people responsible for causing the fatal accident through a wrongful death lawsuit. There are various forms of compensation that people could receive, both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Under Washington law, immediate family members could receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income the loved one would have received if they had not died
- Funeral costs
- Payments incurred for services that the loved one previously provided
- Other damages that cause the family to lose money
Non-economic damages
There are limits on the amount families can receive for non-economic damages which include, but not limited to:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
Fatal accidents can be absolutely devastating for the family of the victims. Families are losing people they rely on for love and support as well as providing for their families financially. When families lose this support it can be very difficult or impossible to replace, but people may be able to receive compensation for their losses depending on the circumstances. Experienced attorneys understand how important this compensation can be and may be a useful resource.