What Kind of Damages are Collected for Wrongful Death Suits?

Certainly there are countless people left behind to grieve over victims of wrongful death cases.  Friends, family and other loved ones are left to pick up the pieces and deal with their tragic and often senseless lost.  But exactly what kind of damages can be collected as a result of this type of medical malpractice?  And who has the right to sue?

Not just anyone can sue a doctor after someone they know has died as a result of medical negligence.  Typically this right is reserved for immediate family of the victim.  The three most common relationships to the decedent are:

Parents who lose a child.  The damages usually sought in these cases include compensation for mental anguish, loss of companionship and the loss of potential financial contributions from said child.

Surviving Spouses.  The widow or widower typically sues for mental anguish, loss of companionship and potential financial contributions.

Children who lose a parent.  These types of damages may vary depending on the age of the child.  Any child who loses a parent due to wrongful death can seek damages for mental anguish and loss of companionship, however minor children also have the option of recovering monies that the deceased parent would potentially have contributed to raise them.

There are other situations, of course, in which a different family member (ie. a sibling) may sue for the wrongful death of their loved one, and every case is unique.  If you are suffering after the loss of a loved one who died at the hands of a negligent physician, you should discuss your situation with a medical lawyer to find out if your case is actionable.