Some people live well past the average life expectancy. Others die shockingly early. Premature mortality is sometimes the fault of an outside party. Negligent business practices or illegal activities can lead to someone dying unexpectedly.
When grieving families have evidence affirming that negligence or wrongful acts caused the death of a loved one, they may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. They can request reimbursement for the losses triggered by the tragedy. The future earning potential of their deceased loved one is often one of the biggest practical losses they may experience.
How can people accurately quantify the future earnings of someone who has died prematurely?
Looking at the big picture is critical
Calculating lost wages is often a complex process. People have to consider advancement opportunities, cost-of-living raises and even employment benefits.
Depending on the person’s ambition, their age and their wages at the time of their death, what they may have earned in 20 years could be substantially higher than their take-home pay at the time of their passing. Families may find it very difficult to estimate future earning potential by adjusting for those factors to seek appropriate compensation.
They may require the support of a professional throughout that process. Attorneys who help families pursue wrongful death lawsuits can often assist with the process of calculating losses in addition to navigating the legal process.
Ensuring that the amount of damages sought is appropriate given the consequences of a tragedy is critical when pursuing wrongful death litigation. Families dealing with grief and hoping for justice often need help addressing the practical implications of a recent loss, and that’s okay. Seeking legal guidance is always an option.