When a loved one dies in a tragic accident, it stresses the family and may lead to depression or other significant mental health issues. However, in a wrongful death case, the person or party whose negligence resulted in someone’s death can be held legally responsible, and the family is entitled to compensation. It also enables the family to pursue justice and diminish the emotional impact of the unfortunate event.
The family of the bicyclist who got hit by a negligent vehicle should discuss their legal options with one of the bicycle accident attorneys. Visit this website to learn more about why you should file a lawsuit for wrongful death.
This blog will help you understand the damages a family can receive from a wrongful death in a bicycle accident.
Lost Earning Capacity Due to Trauma
Table of Contents
The death of a loved one can sometimes limit your ability to work. They may face long-term problems or mental health disabilities. This is due to the emotional trauma after the untimely death of a loved one.
If you can’t work as much as you used to, you can claim “reduced earning capacity.” For example, the death of a close one can limit your work hours and productivity, which can result in a laying off. Thus, the liable person may be required to compensate for all the lost opportunities to earn money, even for future ones.
Pain and Suffering
Economic losses include medical expenses, less pay, and property damage. However, the victim’s family is also entitled to non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Although they do not have a fixed monetary value, however, a good attorney can help you calculate the right amount. Examples of pain and suffering are:
- Cognitive distress
- Stress or sorrow
- Emotional distress
- Failure to enjoy life
A bicycle accident death can have ramifications that far exceed the financial losses. Non-economic damages relate to the effects of the incident on the surviving family members.
Medical Expenses Before the Death
According to some statistics, bicycle accidents are often severe and fatal. However, the family will do everything in their power to help the loved one. They might have a lot of medical costs from the accident. In some cases, the victim’s family is unable to afford these expenses, or even if they do, it will break their finances. After all, life-saving procedures are very expensive.
As a result, the accident may leave the family members with significant medical debt. These costs may include:
- Doctor’s Fees
- Treatment expenses
- Prescription drugs
- Potential medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
If someone else was at fault for the accident, they must pay the costs. However, you must hire an experienced attorney to claim accurate compensation for your losses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a unique type of damage that is generally not accessible. Punitive damages are available if the wrongful party’s actions were intentional or willful.
You can use punitive damages to make the wrongdoer pay for their actions. Punitive damages are a contentious topic and are difficult to recover. Therefore, you must prove liability without any reasonable doubt.
Surviving family members only have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit before they lose their rights. While it may be complex to think about acting soon after losing a loved one, it is crucial to get going straight to ensure the preservation of the evidence. To reduce the emotional stress, you must seek counseling before preparing for a wrongful death lawsuit. You should hire an experienced attorney to win fair compensation for the financial and emotional losses. Stay updated with our upcoming informative blog post, and keep in touch.
