Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it happens due to someone else's negligence or intentional actions, it can be devastating. In these cases, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide some sense of justice and closure for the family. A critical aspect of a wrongful death suit is the damages that can be awarded.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses that are directly related to the death of the victim. This includes medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the death. These damages are relatively straightforward to calculate and can be proven with receipts and documentation.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are not tangible but still have significant value. These include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship or consortium, and any other intangible losses resulting from the death. Proving non-economic damages can be more challenging as they cannot be quantified as easily as economic damages.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them from committing similar acts in the future. Punitive damages may be granted if the defendant acted with malice or gross negligence.
4. Survival Action Damages
Survival action damages refer to any claims the victim could have brought if they had survived their injuries. These include medical expenses incurred before death, lost wages before death, pain and suffering experienced before passing away, and any other losses incurred before death.
5. Wrongful Death Statutory Damages
Some states allow for statutory damages in wrongful death cases where there is no way to determine the actual monetary loss suffered by the survivors. These damages are predetermined by state law and are awarded in addition to any economic or non-economic damages.
Maryland Wrongful Death Lawyers
At Potter Burnett Law, our compassionate team understands the profound impact of losing a loved one due to wrongful death. We are dedicated to helping families in Bowie, MD, navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation they deserve. If you are facing the aftermath of a wrongful death, we invite you to contact us at (301) 820-7820 for a consultation. Our experienced attorneys will provide the personalized attention and legal expertise you need during this challenging time. Let us be your advocates as you seek justice and healing.