05/22/2017
How much are family members owed in wrongful death cases?
In wrongful death cases, family members may sue for the decedent's lost earnings. However, not all jurisdictions calculate these losses the same. Most calculate losses based on the support they would have received from the decedent - not 100% of their lost family member’s earnings. This leaves economists and attorneys to determine the amount of money the family members would have received, had the individual not died.
When determining the family members’ lost support, a reduction for personal consumption accounts for the amount of money a person would have spent directly on themselves, not on family members or the household. These personal expenses include items and services such as clothing, grooming, entertainment, transportation and food.
Read more about personal consumption and wrongful death cases.
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