What damages are available following a fatal accident?

The roads are a busy place. Numerous vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians share the road every day, trying to get from one place to another. And, in Seattle, the roadways see accidents on a daily basis. While many of these are minor, some are severe. In some cases, victims are unable to walk away from the crash, dying from the injuries suffered.

The loss of a loved one is a difficult event to cope with. It is not only emotional but also financially devastating. The financial damages can get overwhelming, making it important for family members to consider what can be done to overcome these losses. What damages are available following a fatal accident?

One could seek pecuniary compensation following the wrongful death of a loved one. The damages are based on the age, condition, life expectancy, earning capacity, health and intelligence of the victim. Additionally, the circumstances at the time of the victim’s death may also be relevant.

In cases where serious or malicious wrongdoing occurred, punitive damages may be awarded. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter future bad behavior. In some cases, it may be possible to seek a survival action. The amount of this damage depends of the degree of consciousness of the victim, the severity of the pain they suffered and the apprehension of their impending death.

The aftermath of a fatal automobile crash can be challenging for family members. It can be difficult to navigate life after the sudden and tragic death of a loved one. In these cases, a wrongful death action may be necessary. It not only holds a negligent motorist liable for the fatal crash but also helps with the recovery of compensation to address the losses suffered.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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