Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Know What Damages are Available

When you've suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one because of another's negligence, there are many venues to seek damages when you file a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit.

The Virginia Code outlines the 5 types of damages you may claim, including: 

• Loss of income and financial support - if the deceased was employed and a major contributor to the household income, you may be able to claim lost wages from the time of injury to death, as well as estimated future income.
• Medical expenses related to the fatal injury - medical bills that accumulated from the fatal injury are included from time of injury and time leading to death.
• Funeral expenses - reasonable funeral expenses are eligible for compensation, although what is considered reasonable is left to the court to determine.
• Grief and loss of companionship - this type of damages is similar to "non-economic" damages in a personal injury case. This covers the emotional losses the family may suffer from the absence of the deceased, including loss of emotional support, spousal companionship and diminished quality of family life.
• Punitive damages - because your loss was a result of the negligence of another, the court may determine an appropriate fine against the negligent party. This amount is designed to deter future negligent behavior that may result in cases such as yours. 

Depending on the circumstances of your loss, you may be entitled to all 5 forms of compensation or only some of them. As with all wrongful death lawsuit settlements, you will have to be eligible as a beneficiary to collect any of the compensation. The Virginia Code sets forth the hierarchy of beneficiaries in a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit and you may need the help of a Fairfax wrongful death attorney to claim your fair share. 

Contacting a Fairfax Wrongful Death Attorney

The unexpected loss of a loved one is a difficult time in your life that shouldn't be made worse by the stress of dealing with insurance companies. Fairfax wrongful death attorney Ben Glass fights to help victims in the Virginia and D.C. areas settle their wrongful death claims. For more information, contact us today - 703-591-9829.