A surviving spouse in a wrongful death case may be entitled to recover various damages, depending on specific circumstances. Some common types of damages a surviving spouse can seek include:
Loss of companionship/consortium: This refers to the emotional support, love, affection, and guidance the deceased spouse would have provided
Loss of financial support and benefits: A surviving spouse may be able to recover damages for the loss of the deceased's income or potential future earnings. They can also be entitled to recover compensation for losing benefits like health insurance and retirement.
Funeral and burial expenses: The costs of organizing a funeral service and laying the deceased spouse to rest are typically included in the damages
Medical expenses: The surviving spouse may seek compensation for medical bills incurred before the death of their loved one
Pain and suffering: A surviving spouse may be able to recover damages for the emotional pain, anguish, and mental suffering caused by their spouse's wrongful death
Punitive damages: In certain situations, the surviving spouse may be awarded punitive damages when the defendant's actions were grossly negligent or intentional