Opinion ID: 2305543
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Barbara's Loss of Consortium Claim

Text: [¶ 24] Barbara contends that the wrongful death statute does not bar her claim for loss of consortium resulting from Robert's emotional injuries. According to her, the evidence supports a conclusion that she was injured by Robert's withdrawal following the injury to herself and the death of Karen. The defendants contend that the court properly denied Barbara's claim because the wrongful death statute provides the exclusive remedy for any psychological injuries resulting from Karen's death. [¶ 25] The court read the wrongful death statute to prevent Barbara's claim for loss of consortium because Robert's withdrawal resulted from the same facts as the wrongful death claim, allowing a separate claim would improperly permit recovery beyond the amount established in the wrongful death statute. We agree. Although a psychic injury to a spouse can be sufficient to support a claim for loss of consortium, Gayer v. Bath Iron Works Corp., 687 A.2d 617, 622 (Me.1996), the wrongful death statute limits recovery for emotional distress, and should be construed to limit recovery when the effects of that emotional distress extend to cause a fellow beneficiary's loss of consortium.