Every wrongful death case is unique at the end of the day, and so the value of yours will depend on factors like the deceased person’s age and earning capacity, the circumstances of their death, and the impact the loss has had on the surviving family members. Some cases settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while others result in recoveries worth millions. The best way to get a realistic estimate is to speak with a wrongful death attorney in Nashville who can evaluate the specific facts of your situation.
Continue reading to learn about the types of damages available in Tennessee wrongful death cases and what factors tend to influence the final amount.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Tennessee Wrongful Death Case?
Tennessee law allows surviving family members to pursue several categories of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. These include things like:
- Funeral/burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost wages that the deceased would have earned
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
- Survivors’ loss of companionship, love, and care
Together, these categories are meant to account for both the financial and personal toll the death has had. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Tennessee can work with economists and other professionals to calculate these losses as accurately as possible.
What Factors Affect the Value of a Wrongful Death Case?
Several factors can push the value of a wrongful death case in either direction. Some of the most significant ones include:
- The deceased person’s age and health: A younger person with decades of earning potential ahead of them will generally have a higher economic damages calculation than someone who was near retirement age.
- Their income and career trajectory: Higher earners and those with more prospects for advancement typically generate larger lost income claims.
- The number of dependents: Cases involving young children or a spouse who relied heavily on the deceased for financial support tend to carry more weight.
- The strength of the evidence: Clear proof of negligence or recklessness on the part of the defendant strengthens the claim and can lead to higher settlement offers or jury awards.
- The defendant’s conduct: If the death was caused by egregious behavior, punitive damages may be available on top of compensatory damages. Tennessee does cap punitive damages in most cases, but they can still add significantly to the total financial recovery.
The interplay between these factors, and others as may be relevant to the case at hand, is what ultimately shapes the value of your claim. An attorney can help you understand how each one applies to your specific situation.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer With Woodard Injury Law
Have you lost a loved one in an accident in Tennessee? You and your family may be entitled to substantial compensation. Woodard Injury Law is here to help you maximize what you recover and handle your legal claim from start to finish.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation at (615) 314-4626. Our Tennessee wrongful death lawyers work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.