What Type Of Damages Are Survivors Entitled To?

There are two types of damages generally awarded in wrongful death cases: economic and noneconomic damages. The term “economic damages” refers to the financial losses of the deceased individual, which means items like the medical bills incurred prior to the death, as well as loss of income, funeral expenses, and other items. Noneconomic damages take into consideration things like the survivors' pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life for the surviving family members, and the pain and suffering of the decedent prior to their passing. If the death of a person resulted from a work-related accident, the survivors my only be entitled to a workers' compensation claim, which in general does not even begin to cover the expenses incurred as a result of the death, much less any future losses or financial obligations.