It is almost impossible to state how much a Mississippi wrongful death lawsuit is worth, because every case is completely unique. To understand the value of your specific case, your Jackson wrongful death lawyer must examine every detail of your case and calculate how much your family needs from the loss of the deceased’s income. They must also determine an amount that compensates you for losing your loved one’s support and guidance, along with your own pain and suffering.
Your Case Will Include Economic Damages for the Actual Costs You Paid
When you have economic losses in a personal injury case, it covers anything you paid for that had a receipt. This could include items such as the following:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Repair expenses
- In-home nursing fees
- Travel costs for treatment
For a wrongful death case, you have the right to seek repayment for these damages if the deceased began a personal injury case before they died. Even if they did not file a lawsuit before passing away, you can still include these losses in your wrongful death case so you aren’t left paying bills related to the at-fault person’s actions. You can then include your own economic expenses associated with the death, such as funeral and burial costs.
You Can Also Seek Compensation for Non-Economic Losses
Some of the greatest costs in a wrongful death claim are the ones that don’t have a price tag. When your family member dies because of another person’s negligence, malice, or carelessness, you will face grief, loss of guidance, loss of comfort, and loss of companionship. You may be unable to work because you have to raise children alone and are no longer able to support yourself without the deceased’s income.
Your wrongful death lawyer can advise you on how to value your wrongful death lawsuit, including both your economic and non-economic losses. Under Mississippi Ann. § 11-7-13, you can claim all your economic damages for compensation. You can also seek up to $1 million in non-economic losses, although that amount is capped at $500,000 in medical malpractice claims.
Punitive Damages May Be Available
Although it’s rare, the court may elect to award punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Usually, you must provide clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party acted intentionally or with malice, resulting in your loved one’s death. This is more common in claims involving defectively manufactured products or a company that knowingly allowed its employees to work in unsafe conditions without rectifying the problem.
Punitive damages can add to what your wrongful death lawsuit in Mississippi is worth, but it’s also rare that plaintiffs actually receive those damage awards. Many defendants are unable to pay or negotiate a lower amount.
The best way to fully understand what your case could be worth is to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer at Hearn Law Firm. Our team can help you determine if you can file a wrongful death claim and how to build a powerful case.