The amount of compensation that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit widely varies. The nature and extent of a surviving family’s damages is the leading factor in determining the settlement or judgment amount. There is no cap or limit on damages, except for the noneconomic damages that can be recovered in a medical malpractice case, which is typically set at $740,000. However, a settlement or judgment will often include compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages.
Damages that can be recovered include:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of spousal companionship
- Loss of parental guidance or support
- Pain and suffering of the decedent