What Damages Are Recoverable by the Estate?

Content Legally Reviewed By

Matt Conner

Wrongful Death Attorneys Assisting Families Recover Losses

After the loss of a loved one, you and family members may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. However, it is important that you understand that every estate’s circumstances are different, and not all damages are recoverable in wrongful death lawsuits.

Therefore, it is best that you consult with a Washington personal injury law firm before assuming that you can recover all damages associated with the loss of your loved one.

Some Damages the Estate May Recover

1. Health Care Costs and Funeral Expenses

The cost of medical treatments that the deceased received prior to death is recoverable by the estate. However, this only includes those that were reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the injury or illness that caused death. Sometimes, these health care expenses are extremely high due to trauma procedures and life-saving surgeries. Most of the time, insurers will have claims against the personal injury lawsuit to collect on the costs that they covered for the deceased.

Also, funeral expenses are a recoverable damage for the deceased’s estate. This includes all reasonable burial and funeral costs, including the casket, transportation of the body, cremation costs, mortuary services, grave site costs, and more.

2. Lost Earnings

Lost earnings are a very complex form of damages that the estate may receive. However, it is important to note that the estate may not be able to recover all lost net earnings, and it is likely the defense will contest a majority of the claim amount.

Lost earnings apply to the projected amount of money that the deceased would have earned during his or her working years. A personal injury attorney calculates this amount by taking the money the deceased would have used for personal consumption from gross earnings over his or her lifetime. Usually, a Washington injury lawyer consults an economist or accountant for an official calculation of lost warnings.

There are facts that may support contesting these values, which is why it is critical that an estate have the correct value the first time. However, in some cases, these values could be extremely high – sometimes in the millions if the individual had a high-earning position.

3. Pre-Death Pain and Suffering

The estate may be able to collect pain and suffering if there is evidence showing that he or she suffered before death. These damages are typically only allowed if there is a surviving spouse or child, and they are not for the estate’s benefit.

Consult with a Washington Wrongful Death Attorney

The only way to truly know what damages an estate is entitled to is to consult with a wrongful death attorney. If you have lost a loved one, and you would like to explore your options for a wrongful death lawsuit, contact the team at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, PLLC.

Our wrongful death attorneys understand the pain you and your loved ones are going through, and you should not have to deal with the financial burden of loss. Contact our offices for a free case evaluation at 800-925-1875 or request an appointment online.

About the Author

Matt Conner

Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.

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