When your loved one has died because of the careless or negligent acts of another person, you can be at a loss as to what to do. You know that nothing will bring your loved one back-no amount of money will compensate you for what you no longer have. At the same time, you may incur economic issues-as you may have lost your primary means of support. You may also feel a right to hold those responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for their actions. This blog post identifies the types of recovery you can seek in a wrongful death action. If your family member has been killed in an accident, you want an experienced lawyer to protect your interests.
At the Law Offices of Mallon & Tranger, we offer comprehensive counsel to people in the aftermath of the accidental or wrongful death of a loved one. To schedule a private meeting, contact us by e-mail or call us at 732-702-0333. Your first consultation is free.
Your Right to Recovery for Wrongful Death in Pennsylvania
When your loved one has died in Pennsylvania because of someone else’s wrongful conduct, you can seek full and fair compensation for:
- The loss of future earnings or support-all the salary that the decedent would have earned
- Any direct expenses, such as medical care before death or funeral/burial expenses
- Any pension or retirement benefits to which the decedent would have been entitled
• Loss of consortium or companionship-the loss of relationship, nurture and emotional support; as well as any mental pain and suffering resulting from the death
Pennsylvania also allows you to seek punitive damages in situations where the conduct that led to the death was egregious or showed wanton disrespect for the value of life.
Compensation for Wrongful Death in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you can recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit for economic loss as well as emotional loss. The economic losses that are recoverable include:
- Medical expenses of your loved one resulting from the accident, but incurred before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
You will also be able to pursue compensation for the loss of any support the decedent would have provided. To determine what the damage amount should be, you can enter evidence of the health and earning potential of your loved one, as well as their life expectancy. The court will also allow you to show that there are additional costs that must be considered, such as child care, housekeeping and any special needs of family members.
New Jersey also allows survivors to seek damages for emotional loss, from parental guidance and nurturing to companionship and affection of spouses, children or siblings.
Contact Mallon & Tranger
We offer a free initial consultation to people in New Jersey who have a potential wrongful death claim. To set up a meeting, contact us online or call us at 732-702-0333 for an appointment. We have offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant.