The death of a beloved family member can have lasting repercussions on the lives of those that they leave behind. When a spouse loses their partner or a child loses their parent, they may feel as though they have been deprived of something special and unique. In Massachusetts, a person may be able to include in their wrongful death damages a request for loss of companionship recompenses.
Demonstrating that a victim has truly suffered the loss of their deceased relative’s companionship or consortium can be challenging. In the case of a deceased spouse, the surviving spouse may have to offer evidence of their relationship with the victim, including but not limited to its duration, level of commitment or involvement, and its stability. Offering such evidence and building a case for lost companionship can be undertaken with the help of a personal injury attorney.
Loss of companionship is only one of the types of damages that a victim may pursue when they are forced to part with a loved one due to a fatal accident. Actual damages, such as those related to the decedent’s funeral costs, and other noneconomic damages like loss of companionship may be included in a victim’s wrongful death pleading.
Wrongful deaths happen every day on Massachusetts roads when devastating automobile collisions occur, in random accidents in homes and commercial spaces, and through many other forms of negligence. Following the tragic death of a loved one, it can be hard for survivors to imagine a future without them. A personal injury attorney may be a good guide for those who wish to learn more about their damages options after a wrongful death.
