Wrongful Death Award Amounts Vary According to Case Factors

Monetary compensation for the loss of a loved one is small consolation for those who grieve. Still, it is important for providing financial security to loved ones after a fatality caused by another’s negligence.

Those experienced in navigating the legal seas to achieve optimal recovery are sensitive to the emotional stress of such cases. While survivors deal with their sorrow and confusion over what comes next, a skilled attorney can assess the elements of the tragedy and develop a comprehensive plan for that meets survivors’ financial support needs.

Your Case Is Unique

While it can be awkward for relatives of a wrongful death victim in Alaska to consider, it is legitimate to ask how much of a settlement might be. The answer depends on different factors, but it will typically be a sum based on assessments that include but are not limited to:

• Loss of victim’s current and future income to the family.

• Suffering due to the loss of companionship and care.

• Medical expenses incurred by the victim because of the fatal injury.

• Funeral expenses.

It is worth noting that Alaska’s standards for setting compensation in wrongful death cases have changed significantly over the years. Specific language in the state code says courts or juries can award surviving dependents of wrongful death victims damages based on financial loss and their emotional pain and suffering. At the same time, the code limits recovery to just financial damages for parents who lose a minor child.

In the past, defendants have used that distinction in legal language to limit compensation in some cases. But, in recent decades, the Alaska Supreme Court has issued several rulings that make it possible to seek larger awards despite how the law is written.

As with any legal matter, maximizing compensation depends on understanding the full scope of your rights and legal options. And to obtain that, it is important to speak with qualified counsel.