What Damages Are Awarded in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The unfortunate reality is that the death of a family member can take a significant toll on your long-term financial health. Bills and expenses often begin to mount while you are still grieving.

A successful wrongful death lawsuit can’t bring your loved one back, but it can provide you with much-needed compensation. Your family should not have to face financial hardships because of the negligent actions of someone else.

Financial and emotional damages you can potentially recover in a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• Funeral and burial expenses: Funeral and burial costs are higher than most people anticipate. The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000, though your total out-of-pocket expense may be even higher. Our lawyers can help you secure the compensation you need to cover these overwhelming fees.
• Loss of future earnings from the deceased: Your loved one may have been the provider for you and your family. If so, we can file for lost earnings that they would have brought home in their lifetime. For many people, this alone can provide significant financial relief and help them maintain some semblance of their normal way of life.
• Emotional pain and suffering: Losing a loved one is a significant emotional burden. Since someone else’s negligence caused this situation, we can pursue compensation for your suffering.
• Loss of companionship: Loss of companionship includes many things, including emotional support, friendship, and intimacy. Our lawyers will help document how the death of your loved one impacts your entire life.
• Punitive damages: If the defendant’s action or inaction was particularly egregious, the court might award punitive damages. These damages are intended to condemn the defendant’s behaviour and deter similar behaviour in the future.

Determining the appropriate damages in a wrongful death claim requires careful calculations. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys know how to evaluate the full financial and emotional impact of your loss.

Be aware that Ontario law dictates who can file a wrongful death claim to recover these damages. Under the Family Law Act, only the blood relatives of the deceased — meaning the spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, and parents — can obtain compensation after losing someone due to the negligent actions of another.

Contact Our Ontario Wrongful Death Lawyers

Call 905-522-9799 to arrange a free initial legal consultation with Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers. We serve clients in Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Falls, Stoney Creek, and the southern part of Ontario.