The untimely passing of a spouse is an emotionally trying and damaging situation, there is no doubting that. But just how damaging is it in the eyes of the law? As a surviving spouse filing a wrongful death case against the negligent, reckless, or malicious party that caused the passing of your spouse, what are your rights? How much compensation can you actually pursue?
For most wrongful death cases of a spouse, the surviving spouse is permitted to seek two forms of damages. The first will be expenses relating to the accident or incident that led to the wrongful death, up until the actual date of passing. For example, in a truck accident case, you could seek compensation for emergency medical attention, any hospital treatment, and the cost of the property damage caused to your vehicle. Furthermore, the deceased’s own suffering may be compensated, as well as any burial and funeral expenses.
The second form of damages you could pursue are altogether vaguer and more specific, depending on your relationship to the deceased. As a surviving spouse, you may be able to sue for grief caused by the sudden loss of companionship, money that they should have earned during their lifetime, and unexpected hardships if you now must raise any children alone. These damages are often regulated by your state, vary from case to case, and have a specific cap. Be sure to talk to a lawyer if you have any questions.
Compassionate and Caring Legal Representation
If you need to file a wrongful death lawsuit after your spouse passed away due to the negligent actions of another party, our Shreveport wrongful death attorneys from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can help you. We have decades of legal experience and have secured millions of dollars for our clients throughout our firm’s history. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you, or to get started with a case evaluation.
