Recoverable Types of Damages

When at-fault parties settle a wrongful death claim or a judgment orders them to do so, the compensation they pay to surviving family members is referred to as “damages."

In North Carolina, the types of damages that courts can award in these cases can include funds for:

• Medical expenses incurred by the injury that led to death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering of the deceased
• Loss of the deceased’s income, services, care, & companionship

In rare cases, a judge may award the victim’s family punitive damages. Court’s award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for the conduct that led to the wrongful death and discourage other people or companies from engaging in similar neglectful behavior.

Although monetary compensation can never undo the tragic loss of a loved one, it can relieve the financial burden you face and provide your family with some comfort and security.