Because a case’s value is determined based on the unique facts of the deceased person’s situation—such as how much he or she earned at work or how long he or she lived with and received treatment for the injuries that resulted in death—there really is no average compensation in these cases.
These factors, however, can affect the value of your case, such as:
How much insurance the at-fault party has. Insurance is the primary means by which accident settlements and awards are paid. While it is possible to sue an uninsured person, and even to obtain a judgment in your favor, it would be difficult to collect on the judgment as most uninsured individuals are not prepared to pay for the expenses and impacts of a wrongful death.
Whether your loved one had any liability for the accident. Not all accidents are so cut-and-dried as to feature a single liable party and a single victim. In truth, there can be several sources of liability. If your loved one was partially responsible for the accident that resulted in his or her death, you can still file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation from other liable parties.
Where your loved one was at in his or her career. Much of the compensation awarded in wrongful death claims hinges on wage replacement and earnings that the deceased would have reasonably been expected to make through the course of his or her career. Because of this, many times the values are higher for cases involving individuals who are in the midst of their career as they were earning more—and their beneficiaries likely will lose more—than a young person with little work experience or a retired person who is no longer earning an income.
Your patience. A quick settlement is possible in many cases. However, a fair settlement that ensures you have enough compensation to meet your needs now and in the future takes time and negotiation. Often the best settlement offer comes just before the trial begins.