Losing a family member is first and foremost an emotional catastrophe; however, the economic implications often add to the suffering of those left behind.

When a person or entity causes someone’s death, either intentionally or through negligence, the relatives of the deceased may bring a lawsuit to seek compensation for the losses related to their relative’s death. The surviving relatives may sue to recover the earnings that the deceased person would have brought in, as well as the costs associated with the funeral.

In addition, they may seek financial compensation for their loss of emotional comfort and support. Although it can be difficult to translate such deprivation into financial terms, our legal system recognizes the tangible value of these intangible benefits.

Punitive damages may also be available: those are amounts awarded in order to punish a defendant for malicious conduct, and to deter such behavior in the future.

Wrongful death cases may be brought in a variety of situations: for example, when a driver acts negligently and causes a person’s death in a car accident; when a doctor acts negligently and those actions led to the death of a patient; or when a company manufactures a defective product and a person dies as a result of using that product.

Most wrongful death lawsuits require the use of expert testimony—from doctors, actuaries who determine how much money a person may have earned over the course of a career, or people with particular expertise in the design or manufacture of a particular product. Because the stakes involved in wrongful death actions are particularly high (both the emotional stakes for family members who are struggling to adapt to the loss of a loved one, and the economic stakes involved either in reaching a settlement or in litigating the case), the services of an experienced and effective attorney are particularly important in these cases.

If you have lost a family member as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional conduct, and you are considering a wrongful death claim, please contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose today for a free consultation. Call us toll free at (877) 313-7673, or email us at info@nroselaw.com.