What Damages Can a Family Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death damages cover lost income, lost services, funeral costs, and in Virginia the family's grief. Here is what each state allows and how it is proved.
Wrongful death damages cover lost income, lost services, funeral costs, and in Virginia the family's grief. Here is what each state allows and how it is proved.
A wrongful death claim runs through probate: opening the estate, appointing a representative, court approval of any settlement, and distribution to the family.
A wrongful death claim compensates the family; a survival action compensates the estate for what the deceased suffered. The three states treat them differently.
Virginia, DC, and New York give two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, but notice rules and estate steps can shorten it.
In Virginia, DC, and New York, only the estate's personal representative can file a wrongful death claim. Here is who benefits and how that person is chosen.