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In the context of wrongful death and survival actions, the Estate of the deceased is entitled to make a claim for injuries suffered by the family and survivors due to the wrongful death of a mother or wife, often the primary wage earner. However, assigning a monetary value to the services of a stay-at-home mom presents a unique challenge.
Determining the Economic Value
Pittsburgh Wrongful Death and Car Accident Attorney Bernie Tully delves into the question of how one evaluates the economic worth of a wife who dedicated her life to being a stay-at-home mom. Unlike a wage earner, it is more difficult to quantify the value of the services provided by a stay-at-home mom.
Drawing from personal experience, Bernard Tully had to act as a caregiver to his wife, Michelle, during her foot surgery recovery. Through this lens, he learned about the immense economic value that a stay-at-home mom brings to a family.
While a stay-at-home mom may not contribute financially, she plays a crucial role in supporting the primary wage earner, enabling them to pursue their career and provide for the family. Without her efforts in maintaining the household, taking care of children, and handling various responsibilities, the wage-earner husband would face significant challenges.
Putting a Monetary Value
The challenge arises in putting a monetary value on the invaluable services provided by a stay-at-home mom. In 1992, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court addressed this issue in the case of Tulewicz. The court ruled that a substantial verdict for a homemaker, totaling $2.5 million, was not excessive. The economic value was based on lost earnings capacity, home services, and intangible aspects like being an excellent mother and a faithful wife.
Proving the Value of a Stay-At-Home Mom
To establish the economic value of a stay-at-home mom’s services, lay witnesses play a crucial role. Family members, neighbors, and church members can provide testimony about the decedent’s role as a great mother and contributor to the family. This evidence becomes instrumental in assigning a monetary or economic number to the loss suffered by the family due to the demise of the stay-at-home mom. Through these lay witnesses and personal testimonials, families can establish the invaluable role a stay-at-home mom plays, ensuring just compensation in wrongful death cases.
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Bernard Tully Allegheny Wrongful Death Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700 and 1-800-518-005
