Non-Economic Damages for Wrongful Death

Personal injury lawsuits are a way for victims of negligent or malicious behavior to regain some of their losses. When victims of negligence or intentional actions die from their injuries, their surviving family members may be able to file lawsuits on their behalf. By doing so, they can receive some compensation for both financial and social losses.

The term “economic damages” refers to compensation for expenses like funeral costs, medical bills, and lost income. Other kinds of compensation are called “non-economic damages.” They may be awarded when a judge or jury decides that compensation for financial loss is not enough to punish a defendant or fairly compensate the plaintiff.

If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s careless actions, you may have grounds for pursuing compensation. For more information, call the Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511.

Abstract Losses

Non-economic damages can be difficult to determine because they do not rely on concrete concepts like dollar amounts. Instead, they are based on plaintiffs’ more abstract, but still very real losses. Some examples of non-economic damages that are commonly awarded in Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuits include:

• The plaintiff’s mental anguish
• Loss of the deceased’s guidance or training
• Loss of the deceased’s companionship and support
• Loss of the deceased’s consortium (if one of the plaintiffs is his or her spouse)

Some states impose caps, or limits, on the amount that can be awarded in compensation, but Pennsylvania is not among them.

Contact Us

The Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. are committed to helping our clients through a difficult time by providing efficient and respectful legal services. Contact us at 610-667-7511 to discuss your legal options.