It is impossible to accurately quantify the loss of a loved one, or truly appreciate how a sudden death can affect a family. Unfortunately, however, fatal automobile accidents happen every year and force families all across the state of New Jersey to realize the emotional and financial losses that are known to accompany such tragedies. State wrongful death guidelines do account for multiple types of damages, allowing qualifying survivors of fatal accident victims to seek financial compensation on several grounds in many cases.
Freeadvice.com discusses general guidelines for wrongful death damages, and explains that policies vary from state to state. For instance, some states allow for damages for survivors’ pain and suffering and/or mental anguish, while others prohibit the pursuit of punitive damages in most cases. Beyond that, some states place a cap on the amount of damages that can be awarded in particular categories.
According to the North Carolina Legislature, qualifying survivors of a fatal accident victim can pursue financial compensation for multiple damages, including attorney’s fees and burial expenses. Survivors can also pursue wrongful death claims to cover expenses like the hospitalization and treatment of the accident victim, as well as compensation for his or her pain and suffering. Wrongful death damages can also account for the loss of the accident victim’s net income, and his or her monetary value to the wrongful death claimants. Punitive damages that would otherwise be awarded to the accident victim can also be awarded to wrongful death claimants in some cases as well.
