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Bernard Tully Personal Injury Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700
Today, I want to address a critical and often emotional question: How is the value of loss calculated by the court system? How much can a family recover for the wrongful death of a loved one?
As you might expect, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, several factors are considered by a jury when determining the value of loss for a wrongful death case. Let us explore some of these key factors.
Value of Loss Determinations
Economic Value of the Loss
One of the primary considerations is the economic value of the loss. This includes the deceased’s earning capacity. For example, if the deceased were 30 years old and earning $70,000 a year, an economist would project their income over the remaining years of their expected work life, typically until age 65. This projection involves multiplying the annual salary by the number of years left until retirement. Thus, if they had 35 years of work life remaining, the economic loss would be substantial.
Medical Expenses
Another significant factor is medical expenses incurred before the death. If your loved one were hospitalized for two weeks, there would be a considerable medical bill. The jury will consider who is responsible for these expenses, adding them to the overall valuation of the wrongful death claim.
Funeral Expenses
Funeral costs are another critical factor. Funerals can be quite expensive, and these costs are considered when determining the compensation for a wrongful death case.
Emotional and Subjective Loss
The most challenging aspect to quantify is emotional loss. This is often the most significant factor driving wrongful death cases. The emotional bond between family members, such as the love between a mother and daughter, is deeply personal and subjective. The jury considers the closeness of the relationship, the daily interactions, and the emotional support lost due to the death. While difficult to quantify, these losses are integral to the case.
Other Considerations
Other factors that a jury might consider include the loss of companionship, guidance, and the impact on the family’s daily life. These elements contribute to the overall assessment of the wrongful death claim.
Our Role at Tully and Tully
At Tully and Tully, our job is to present these factors clearly and compellingly to the jury. We strive to ensure that they fully understand the impact of the tragic death on your family. With over 40 years of experience in wrongful death cases, we are dedicated to seeking justice for your loved one.
We are based in Pittsburgh but travel throughout Pennsylvania to support our clients. If you need help with a wrongful death case, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Give us a call at 412-281-8700. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with compassion, expertise, and dedication to achieving justice for your family.
Our main focus is honesty. We always preach it. We are passionate about trying to help any injured person or family member with their case. Questions about the blog? CALL US!
Bernard Tully Allegheny Wrongful Death Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700 and 1-800-518-0050
