While no money can be sufficient to replace a lost life, you deserve compensation if a loved one died from another person’s negligence.
How, though, do you ever place a figure on your losses? A lot goes into calculating the amount of settlement that will be enough after losing a loved one to negligence. The unique circumstances of each case will usually determine the compensation due to the deceased dependents, as discussed below.
Factors that affect the amount of a settlement
Various factors come into play when determining the value of a wrongful death claim. They include:
- The age of the deceased and their dependents
- Their lost income and earning potential
- Medical bills incurred prior to their death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Their contribution to the negligence that caused the fatality
Other aspects of a wrongful death claim, such as the pain and suffering undergone by the dependents of the deceased and loss of consortium for the spouse, are also compensable.
Do damage caps apply in wrongful death claims?
Damage caps limit the amount of compensation one can claim. However, Ohio law recognizes that life is priceless, and as such, there is no limitation to the amount of compensation one can claim in a wrongful death claim.
It means that one can claim all valid damages caused by the wrongful death as long as they can be proven.
You deserve justice
Losing a loved one can be heartbreaking, especially if their death was avoidable. Therefore, you should ensure you get the compensation and justice you deserve by holding the negligent party accountable.
The money will not bring them back, but it will go a long way in helping you adjust to the loss while protecting you from the financial uncertainties brought about by the tragedy.
