How Much Can You Sue for Wrongful Death?

The loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. The passing of a family member can lead to a number of psychological and emotional hardships, especially when the death was unexpectedly caused by someone’s negligence.

A sudden, unexpected death can also cause significant financial burdens. As a surviving family member, you may be facing medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and more.

If you lost someone dear because of another person’s negligent behavior, you deserve justice. Studinski Law, LLC, has been serving the wrongfully injured and their families for decades. Our Wisconsin wrongful death lawyers can help you pursue the justice you deserve. While no monetary award can undo the pain and heartache of losing a loved one, compensation from a wrongful death claim can help your family stay financially afloat during a difficult time. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages involve the financial losses incurred after a wrongful death, from immediate costs like funeral expenses to lost future income. Economic damages can include:

Funeral and Burial Costs

Funerals can be costly, involving a variety of potential expenses, such as:

• Casket
• Burial
• Embalming
• Cremation
• Monument
• Transportation
• And more

Medical Expenses

Not all injuries are immediately fatal. In these cases, your family may face extensive medical bills for care provided before your loved one passed, such as:

• Emergency treatment
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Pain management and palliative care 
• Hospice care

If the injuries that caused your loved one’s death were the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for these medical expenses. 

Lost Earnings

One of the biggest challenges faced by families after the death of a loved one is the sudden loss of financial support. Surviving family members may be able to seek damages for lost wages expected over the decedent’s lifetime.

Families may also be entitled to compensation for other economic losses such as:

• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of pension
• Loss of benefits

Following the wrongful death of a family member, it is crucial to accurately calculate your family’s total economic losses. A wrongful death lawyer will gather evidence and call on experts to determine the full value of your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

The financial losses incurred after a wrongful death are only part of the story, and often not the most difficult part. The psychological and emotional strains suffered by those left behind—and the pain experienced by the deceased before passing—can be the most challenging to overcome.

However, determining the value of these types of non-economic losses can be difficult without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney on your side. A wrongful death lawyer has experience addressing these losses and can pursue the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled under the law.

Lost Companionship

Relationships are key aspects of our quality of life, and no relationships are more important than the bonds we share with family. When a family member is unfairly taken by someone’s negligent actions, Wisconsin law allows for certain family members to pursue compensation for this loss.

Loss of Support

In addition to the loss of companionship, you may have also relied on the help and support of your lost family member in everyday life. This may include housework, child care, and other duties that you now must find another means of completing. This additional burden can make life more difficult for you, which is why you may be able to recover compensation for this loss.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Suit in Wisconsin?

In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the injury that caused the death to happen or when the injury could have been identified. However, the statute of limitations is only two years if the injury that caused the death involved a car accident.

The statute of limitations can become a contentious issue when the deceased’s death did not happen instantly. Regardless of whether someone’s death was prolonged or immediate, wrongful death cases may be dismissed if they are not filed within the statute of limitations. Because of this, it is crucial to speak with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and legal options.

Contact a Wisconsin Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your family suffered the loss of a loved one due to the careless or reckless actions of someone else, you should not have to face the complexities of a legal matter alone. A wrongful death lawyer at Studinski Law, LLC can focus on your case so you can focus on the needs of your family during this difficult time.

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If you’ve lost someone dear because of another person’s negligence, call Studinski Law, LLC today at (715) 343-2850 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have offices in Plover and Marshfield and serve the entire state of Wisconsin.