When a loved one dies unexpectedly due to the alleged fault of another, a lawsuit is often the result. Surviving loved ones of a deceased individual often file suit as a way of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. They also do this to discourage others from repeating the same negligent behaviors. The type of monetary damages that a decedent’s loved one may be entitled to may vary depending on the nature of the case.
Damages are intended to restore an individual, or a person acting on their behalf, to the place that they were before the incident occurred. If a person was involved in a car accident, for example, then the payout that they receive should cover the restoration of their vehicle to its previous condition and cover the accident victim’s medical bills, lost wages and cover any permanent impairment costs.
The awarding of punitive damages, or compensation for pain and suffering, in such cases is a relatively new phenomenon. This type of damages also serves the role of discouraging individuals from committing similar acts in the future.
Plaintiffs in wrongful death cases can generally recover the above-referenced damages plus an amount associated with their loved one’s loss of future earnings, personal enjoyment, consortium and mental anguish.
A defendant may be ordered to liquidate their property or to turn it over as-is to the plaintiff if they don’t have enough liquid assets to compensate them as they’ve been ordered to do so. A wrongful death attorney here in Ocean County can help you file a lawsuit for damages in your New Jersey case so that you can begin honoring the loss of your loved one.