A tragic incident can happen in the glimpse of a moment and can change a family’s life forever. When families lose a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly, it can create much more than emotional turmoil. It can also create financial turmoil in the form of loss of financial support and sudden death expenses. When this death is caused by another’s lack of care or negligence, it is considered a wrongful death, and the family may be able to recover compensation to help them with a portion of the hardship.
A family in California has recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of their loved one in April 2012. The man was shot to death by a deputy. The deputy had responded to an emergency call regarding a domestic dispute. The deputy was confronted by the man and shot him to death after trying to control him with a stun gun. Reports following the crime stated the officer used unreasonably deadly force on a man that had mental problems. The wrongful death suit followed.
The family has filed a suit for approximately $61 million in damages. There is unfortunately no amount of money or form of compensation that can bring back a lost loved one. However, the compensation awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit can ease the financial pain that is inflicted on the family from the sudden onset of loss of income, medical bills, funeral bills and other death expenses.
In addition to the above-stated items for which a family may be compensated in a wrongful death lawsuit, they may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering and loss of companionship. These situations are unimaginably difficult and unfortunate for the family who is struggling through the loss of a loved one. However, the damages will help to right the wrong that was done when their loved one was killed.
Source: Insurance Journal, “Wrongful Death Claims Filed In California Deputy Shooting,” Nov. 1, 2012
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