Families who have recently lost a loved one in an accident caused by negligence may be wondering how much wrongful death lawsuits are typically worth. By having an understanding of the average settlement, families may hope to aim to recover a similar amount. However, it’s important to understand that there is no such thing as an average wrongful death settlement. The nature of personal injury claims is that each situation is unique, involving different individuals, types of accidents, and causes. Wrongful death settlements can range widely from thousands of dollars to tens of millions of dollars.
However, several factors are taken into account when determining the amount a family may receive for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, including:
- The age of the deceased person
- The earning potential of the deceased person
- The type of accident that occurred, resulting in death
- The insurance policy limits of the negligent party
- Any medical bills accrued after the accident
- Any funeral bills accrued after the death of the deceased
Non-economic damages may also be taken into consideration, including any loss of companionship or protection suffered by the loved ones of the deceased. Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed by the spouse or children of the deceased.
In most cases, wrongful death settlements are paid out by insurance companies that provide liability coverage for the at-fault party. If the at-fault party doesn’t have sufficient coverage, they may be held personally responsible for the settlement amount.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Unfortunately, there are many types of accidents caused by negligence that can result in death, the most common involving motor vehicle accidents. Cars, buses, motorcycles, and trucks can all end in fatalities or serious injuries that lead to death, and pedestrians can become involved, too.
Other types of wrongful death lawsuits can include:
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- ATV and boat accidents
- Gas explosions
- Railroad crossing accidents
- Bicycle accidents
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
Ultimately, the amount of compensation that a family can receive in a wrongful death lawsuit may be determined by the amount of evidence presented. It’s crucial that you hire a personal injury lawyer following your loved one’s accident or passing so that they can begin collecting the evidence needed to support your claim. Families who wait longer before hiring a lawyer may learn that important evidence at the scene of the accident may have disappeared.
Our lawyers have decades of experience helping families hold at-fault parties liable for their negligence. We have the skills and resources needed to investigate accidents and build innovative strategies so we achieve the full amount of compensation you need. We can help you recover damages that include medical bills, from surgeries to hospital stays and medications, lost future earnings if your loved one was earning income to support your family, lost inheritance, funeral and burial costs, and legal fees from filing a claim.
Helping Families in Need Since 1974
For more than 45 years, the compassionate personal injury attorneys at Alex & Associates have been devoted to guiding families through the claims process after a loved one has died as a result of negligence. We know that for many families, this may be a grueling experience that can be made even more stressful when medical bills and funeral expenses begin adding up. With one of our professional lawyers by your side, together we can seek justice on behalf of your family member. With millions recovered for clients, including $2 million recovered in a notable wrongful death case, we can be trusted to represent your family’s interests during this time.
At Alex & Associates, our wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping families recover damages after a devastating accident that results in the death of a loved one. When you contact us online or by phone at (602) 483-6114 for a free consultation in Spanish or English, you can expect to be treated with the compassion you deserve.