Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help With Calculating Damages in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss comes from someone else's negligence, the pain is compounded by anger, confusion, and a sense of injustice. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, we believe in holding wrongdoers accountable and securing the financial future of those left behind.
If you’re grieving the recent loss of your parent, child, or spouse, we’re here to guide you through this challenging time. Let our skilled wrongful death lawyers, serving clients throughout the United States from our Texas office locations, protect your rights and fight for the compensation your family needs to move forward.
Categories of Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to a death that occurs as the result of negligence, recklessness, or an intentionally harmful act. Common scenarios that can lead to a wrongful death claim include:
Car accidents
When a person is killed due to another driver's negligence, such as drunk driving, distracted driving, or reckless driving, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.
Medical malpractice
When a patient dies as a result of a health care provider's negligence or failure to provide adequate care, the family can choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Workplace accidents
Fatalities that occur on the job due to unsafe working conditions, lack of proper training, or equipment failures often result in wrongful death claims.
Defective products
Wrongful death claims can involve deaths caused by dangerous or faulty products that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about or recall.
Criminal acts
Murders or other intentional acts that result in someone's death can lead to a successful wrongful death claim, even if the person who caused the death was not declared guilty at trial.
Wrongful death claims encompass various types of damages, each designed to address different aspects of the loss suffered by the deceased's family.
Economic damages
These tangible losses include your loved one's lost wages and benefits, both current and future. It also covers medical expenses incurred before death and funeral costs.
Non-economic damages
While harder to quantify, these damages are no less real. They include your loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. For a spouse, it might mean the loss of consortium.
Punitive damages
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Damages Are Calculated in Wrongful Death Claims
Calculating damages in wrongful death claims requires careful consideration of numerous factors. It's not just about numbers; it's about understanding the full impact of the loss on the family's life. Factors to consider include:
Economic projections
For lost wages, there are models to project what your loved one would have earned over their lifetime. This includes potential promotions, bonuses, and benefits.
Life expectancy analysis
Your loved one's potential lifespan plays a crucial role in calculations. Factors like health, lifestyle, and family history are considered to estimate how long a person might have lived and contributed to their family's well-being.
Quality of relationship assessment
The nature and quality of the relationship between your loved one and their family members are evaluated to determine this type of non-economic damages. This might involve testimonies from friends, family, and colleagues to paint a picture of the deceased's role in their loved ones' lives.
Age and dependents
The age of your loved one and their dependents significantly impact the calculation. Cases involving younger victims with young children often result in higher damages due to the longer period of lost support and guidance.
State laws and caps
Different states have varying laws regarding wrongful death claims, including potential caps on damages.
Although no amount of money can restore what you’ve lost, our goal at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group is to help you recover the compensation you need to ensure your monthly expenses are paid and that you have the financial resources to plan appropriately for your family’s future.
Why Working With an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Is the Best Way to Maximize Your Compensation
Navigating a wrongful death claim is an emotionally charged process. An experienced lawyer brings legal knowledge, compassion, and dedication to fight for your family's future. When you choose Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group for your claim, you’ll get:
Comprehensive case building
We know how to construct a compelling case that goes beyond the obvious. Our legal team will investigate thoroughly, often uncovering crucial evidence that might otherwise be overlooked. This comprehensive approach can significantly strengthen your claim and increase potential compensation.
Legal knowledge
Wrongful death laws vary by state and can be incredibly complex. A lawyer with nationwide experience understands these nuances and can navigate them to your advantage, ensuring no potential avenue for compensation is overlooked.
Negotiation skills
Insurance companies and corporate defendants often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced lawyers know their tactics and how to counter them. They'll negotiate skillfully, often securing settlements far beyond what families might achieve on their own.
Access to expert witnesses
Our wrongful death lawyers have networks of expert witnesses—from accident reconstructionists to economic analysts. These experts can provide crucial testimony that substantiates your claim and helps quantify damages accurately.
Trial readiness
We're fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement can't be reached.
Emotional support and guidance
Our team acts as a buffer between grieving families and the often cold legal process, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal battle to obtain justice for your loved one.
While each case is unique, our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients remains constant. We encourage you to review our case results and client testimonials to understand what we've achieved for others in similar situations. Past results don't guarantee future outcomes, but they do demonstrate our dedication and capability in handling complex wrongful death cases.