Claimants in a wrongful death lawsuit can typically pursue two kinds of damages: tangible (economic) and intangible (non-economic).
Aside from the emotional toll they incur, wrongful deaths will require the survivor’s family or some representative of their estate to conduct funeral arrangements, handle communication with the next of kin, manage assessments and disbursements of the estate and perform other administrative functions on behalf of the deceased. Wrongful death may cause undue financial hardship on someone who relied on the deceased for support. The resources lost and spent due to a wrongful death are all eligible for compensation as part of the total damages sought. Based on the details of your situation, an Atlanta wrongful death attorney may advise specific damages because they have the highest likelihood of a successful financial compensation. When damages of this sort are sought by someone who is legally caring for the deceased individual’s estate it is usually called an estate claim. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney can provide assistance even if you’re not directly related to the deceased.
Intangible damages in wrongful death cases are much harder to quantify but are usually quite apparent and can yield compensation if adequately demonstrated. Being awarded intangible damages often requires the skilled Atlanta wrongful death attorney. Specific compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) often sought in wrongful death cases include:
Loss of wages or other financial assistance
Funeral and burial costs
Additional costs incurred from prior care for the deceased individual
Various out of pocket expenses