Those trying to adjust to life after a tragic incident, like a drunk driving crash, face numerous challenges. The psychological trauma of the unexpected death of a loved one, for example, can affect someone’s day-to-day life and their other relationships. Grief can lead to people struggling at work or at school. It can diminish their overall quality of life. In some cases, it may also leave people desiring justice. When the surviving family members of someone who died prematurely believe that there is an individual or business responsible for their tragic loss, they may want justice.
The Indiana civil courts can potentially grant a surviving loved one a specific kind of justice if they pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Lawsuits filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can lead to financial reimbursement for their closest surviving family members.
Funeral and medical expenses
Someone’s tragic passing often generates numerous financial expenses. Even if someone dies quickly, there may be medical costs related to their transportation to a hospital after an incident and end-of-life care. Other times, someone could have weeks of medical expenses that add up before their passing. There are also the costs of having a memorial service for the deceased. Cremation and burial expenses can also contribute to the total value of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Lost wages
If the deceased individual had not died, they may have had decades of earning ahead of them. Families can request reimbursement for someone’s lost future earning potential, including the value of benefits and likely future increases in wages due to promotions and raises. A lifetime of lost earning potential can substantially increase the total financial value of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Loss of support and services
When looking at the practical implications of someone’s death, the work they do for their loved ones is a top consideration. Whether someone grocery shops, cleans the gutters or takes care of the family’s children, the services that they provide could be worth tens of thousands of dollars annually. There is also the loss of support and companionship to consider. Families hoping to minimize their direct economic losses and maximize the consequences for the party at fault for an incident may need to be very thorough about estimating the costs of a premature death.
Learning more about the recoverable losses that can be pursued via Indiana wrongful death lawsuits may benefit those seeking justice after the passing of a loved one. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.