💼 What Is a Wrongful Death Settlement?
- Scott Andrews
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
A wrongful death settlement is a financial agreement that compensates surviving family members for the emotional and economic impact of their loss. These settlements can result from court judgments or out-of-court negotiations, and the value of a claim depends on a variety of factors.
🧾 Key Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts
1. Medical Expenses and Funeral Costs
These are straightforward, documented expenses that occurred as a result of the injury or death. The settlement typically includes reimbursement for:
Emergency medical treatment
Hospital bills
Funeral and burial expenses
2. Loss of Income and Financial Support
If the deceased was a provider, the court may calculate:
What the person would have earned over their remaining working life
Bonuses, benefits, pensions, and retirement contributions
Inflation and future earning potential
3. Loss of Services and Support
This includes the practical contributions the deceased made to the household, such as:
Childcare
Housekeeping
Transportation
Emotional guidance and companionship
4. Pain and Suffering
This compensates for the emotional trauma suffered by surviving family members. While it’s more subjective, courts consider:
The relationship to the deceased
The emotional impact on dependents and spouses
The age of surviving children or spouse
5. Punitive Damages (in some cases)
In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
🛡️ Why You Need Legal Guidance
Every case is unique, and calculating damages accurately requires a deep understanding of the law, financial projections, and the emotional weight involved. At Charles M. Aaron Attorneys at Law, we take the time to listen, investigate, and fight for fair compensation so that families can focus on healing—not legal battles.
📞 Contact us today for a free, compassionate consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
Charles M. Aaron Attorneys at Law – Seeking Justice for Families in Eastern North Carolina
Commentaires