The passing of a loved one is extremely traumatic - no matter the cause of death. When it is an early, unexpected and wrongful death that results from a car accident, then the survivors often face financial instability, especially if the deceased was a primary source of income.
According to the Legal Information Institute, tortious injuries that cause death are grounds for wrongful death lawsuits. Commonly, the deceased’s survivors file the action. Plaintiffs in these cases may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages and other expenses. A personal-injury lawyer in New York City can help you pursue these damages. Call Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC at 212.227.2780 for legal guidance. Until then, here are seven types of damages that you may be able to claim after the wrongful death of a loved one in New York:
- Burial and Funeral Costs
Funerals are expensive. Cremation, caskets and final resting places all cost a great deal of money. You may be able to recover these expenses in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Medical Bills
If the deceased required medical care prior to death, then his or her final injury likely accrued an enormous medical bill that needs payment. You can recover these expenses in a settlement or in a successful court judgment.
- Lost Income
If, prior to his or her injury, your loved one had a job, then you may be able to claim the money that he or she would have made between the date of the injury and the time of death. You may also be able to claim future income.
- Loss of Comfort and Care
If you lost a parent, sibling, spouse or child, then you can claim compensation for losing his or her physical presence and emotional support. Your attorney can help you quantify these losses.
- Loss of Inheritance
If the deceased person was one of your parents, or both, then you may be able to claim financial compensation for any loss of inheritance that you would have received if your mother or father had survived.
- Pain and Suffering
If there was a great deal of physical pain and emotional suffering prior to your loved one’s death, then you may be able to claim more damages. However, you cannot claim compensation for your own pain and suffering under New York law, despite the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
- Interest
If the court awards monetary damages to you, or an insurance company does, then you are possibly entitled to 9 percent of interest on it. Interest calculations start at the date of death and end at the time of receiving compensation. If a person you love recently died and you want to know more about the types of monetary damages to claim in a wrongful death lawsuit, call Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC at 212.227.2780 to discuss the details of your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. A personal-injury attorney from our firm can answer any questions you may have. We can also structure your claim, handle settlement negotiations and litigate your case if it goes to court. Call us today to get started.
