If you’re seeking justice for the loss of a loved one in a Tampa wrongful death case, understanding the types of compensation you can recover is important. At Anidjar & Levine, our Tampa wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your options and securing the compensation you deserve.
If you believe you have a wrongful death case, consider consulting with a Tampa wrongful death lawyer to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
What are Economic and Non-Economic Damages?
When pursuing a wrongful death case in Tampa, the damages you recover are typically categorized as economic and non-economic. These two types of damages address different aspects of the losses you’ve experienced.
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial losses caused by the wrongful death. These are tangible costs that can be calculated and proven with bills, receipts, or financial records.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and compensate for the emotional and intangible impact of losing a loved one. These damages acknowledge the personal suffering and loss experienced by surviving family members.
Funeral and Medical Expenses
A Tampa wrongful death case may entitle you to compensation for funeral and medical expenses. These damages are meant to reimburse you for the financial burdens you’ve incurred as a result of your loved one’s death. You may be entitled to compensation for the following expenses:
- Funeral or burial costs, including cremation or cemetery fees
- Medical bills related to the injury or illness that caused your loved one’s death, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medication
- Transportation costs for medical treatment or funeral services
- Other expenses related to your loved one’s final illness or injury
When calculating funeral and medical expenses, it’s important to keep detailed records of all receipts, invoices, and bills. This documentation will help establish the total amount of expenses you’ve incurred and support your claim for compensation. Pre-death medical bills can be substantial, and burial costs can be a significant financial burden.
By seeking compensation for these expenses, you can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with your loved one’s passing. A Tampa wrongful death attorney can help you handle the process and help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Loss of Wages in Tampa Wrongful Death Cases
In a Tampa wrongful death case, loss of wages refers to the income the deceased would have earned had their life not been cut short. This includes not only their current salary or wages but also any expected raises, bonuses, or promotions over time. Calculating this loss involves assessing the deceased’s age, career trajectory, education, and work-life expectancy.
To determine fair compensation, we may analyze employment records, wage trends, and the individual’s earning potential. For example, a young professional likely had years of income growth ahead, while someone nearing retirement may have fewer working years left. This careful evaluation ensures the family receives compensation that reflects the financial value of their loved one’s career.
Recovering loss of wages helps ease the financial strain caused by an unexpected death. It allows surviving family members to maintain financial stability, especially when the deceased was the primary income earner. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these damages help address the economic hardship of their absence.
Loss of Financial Support
Loss of financial support focuses on the monetary contributions the deceased made to their family beyond their regular paycheck. This includes health insurance, retirement benefits, and other resources the deceased contributed to ensure their family’s well-being. For dependents, losing this support can create financial uncertainty and long-term challenges.
Calculating these damages involves estimating the value of these contributions over time. Factors such as the deceased’s age, financial habits, and the needs of surviving family members all play a role. A wrongful death claim increases the chances that these ongoing and future financial losses are properly addressed.
By recovering damages from loss of financial support, families can secure a measure of stability during an incredibly difficult time. These funds help cover daily expenses, future educational costs, and other essential needs that the deceased would have provided. This financial recovery offers surviving loved ones a foundation to move forward.
A Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Recover Loss of Consortium Damages
Following a wrongful death in Tampa, you may also be entitled to loss of consortium damages, in addition to the various other forms of compensation available under Florida law. Loss of consortium damages are designed to compensate you for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and affection resulting from the death of a loved one.
As a spouse, you may be entitled to claim loss of consortium damages for the marital intimacy disruption caused by your partner’s death. This type of damage acknowledges that the loss of a partner can considerably impact your life, causing emotional distress and a loss of companionship.
Pain and Suffering in Tampa Wrongful Death Claims
In a Tampa wrongful death case, pain and suffering refer to the emotional distress experienced by surviving family members due to their loved one’s death. This loss encompasses the grief, sorrow, and overwhelming sense of loss that comes with an unexpected tragedy.
Unlike economic damages, pain and suffering cannot be measured through bills or receipts. Instead, these damages reflect the profound impact the loss has on the family’s lives. When determining compensation, courts consider the relationship with the deceased and the emotional void created by their absence.
Recovering damages for pain and suffering can provide families with a sense of accountability and validation for their loss. While no amount of money can erase the pain, it can help recognize the emotional burden and support loved ones as they begin to heal. Our Tampa wrongful death lawyer can help you recover damages for pain and suffering.
Mental and Emotional Anguish
Mental and emotional anguish refers to the psychological suffering experienced as a result of losing a loved one in a wrongful death case. This includes intense feelings of despair, anxiety, depression, and the lasting emotional trauma caused by their absence. These damages address the ongoing mental toll the loss has on surviving family members.
Mental and emotional anguish often affects every aspect of daily life, from sleep and concentration to relationships and personal well-being. For many, the grief caused by a sudden death may lead to long-term emotional challenges that require therapy or other forms of support. These damages recognize the significant impact of these struggles.
Learn how a Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help Recover Damages
In a Tampa wrongful death case, you can recover various damages. An experienced Tampa wrongful death attorney from Anidjar & Levine will help you handle the challenges of these claims.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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