Damages in Wrongful Death Cases Can Cover Funeral Costs
The lawyers of Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C. have been helping clients throughout Brooklyn in their time of legal need. We put our clients and their families first, and believe that they deserve sound representation to ensure the legal system works fairly.
Wrongful death lawsuits can be especially draining to a family given the stakes. Damages in these lawsuits can be used to cover various expenses related to the death of a loved one, including the funeral costs. Let's take a moment to discuss this topic.
Funerals Can Be Extremely Expensive
Funerals can be quite expensive. Some estimates place the cost between $7,000 and $10,000 if the deceased is buried in a coffin. This includes the cost of a casket, the services of a funeral home, the burial plot, and the service. Costs can differ, of course, depending on how the service is done, the types of casket used, and other factors.
Cremations are less expensive since a burial plot is not required. Typically a cremation and service will cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Again, these amounts can vary depending on the nature of the service.
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
In wrongful death cases, it's common to seek damages in order to cover the cost of funeral expenses. Since the death was the result of another person or party's negligence, seeking damages to cover related funerary costs makes sense,
There are two kinds of damages that are sought in these sorts of cases:
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Compensatory Damages – Compensatory damages are intended to cover the material losses associated with the loss of a loved one.
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Punitive Damages – Punitive damages are intended to punish a negligent party for their actions.
Compensatory Damages and Funerary Expenses
When it comes to covering funerary expenses, those will be calculated as part of the compensatory damages in a case. The overall total sought will depend on the funeral itself. It's important that you hold on to any receipts, bills, invoices, or other financial records and information associated with the funeral. This can be added up and become part of the overall compensatory damages sought.
Other Expenses Compensatory Damages Can Cover
Compensatory damages can cover a host of other losses related to the death of your loved one. This might include any of the following:
- Emergency medical care prior to death
- Damage to property (e.g., vehicle damage in car accident)
- Loss of current and future income
- Cost of therapy and counseling
As with funerary costs, it's important to save any receipts, bills, and records that may be pertinent.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
The loss of a loved one can be an extremely difficult time for a household. The emotion are raw, and focusing on a legal matter that can take time to resolve can be a draining endeavor. Rather than going it alone, it's ideal to seek the help of an attorney. By working with a lawyer, you can focus on the grieving and healing process while a train professional focuses on the lawsuit and the rule of law. This peace of mind is crucial as you attempt to move forward in life.
Contact the Lawyers of Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C.
For more information about your legal rights and options following the loss of a loved one, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The team at Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C. is here for you in your time of legal need.