Wrongful death damages in the State of California are intended to compensate surviving family members for the losses they suffer as a direct result of their loved one’s death. These losses fall into several recognized categories according to this law, and can be both economic and personal in nature.

On the economic side, surviving family members can seek compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided over their expected lifetime. This requires a careful analysis of the person’s age, income, career trajectory, and the number of years they would likely have continued earning. Funeral and burial expenses are also recoverable, as are any medical bills incurred by the deceased between the time of the injury and the time of death. Beyond the financial, California law also allows recovery for the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support that the deceased provided to their family members. These non-economic losses can be significant, particularly in cases involving a parent of young children, a spouse in a long marriage, or a primary caregiver for a dependent family member. Notably, California law does not currently allow wrongful death claimants to recover for their own grief or emotional distress as a separate item of damages, though the loss of companionship and relational elements are compensable. The overall value of a wrongful death claim depends on the facts of the case, the number of claimants, and the defendant’s ability to pay. If your family has suffered this kind of loss, contact us for a compassionate, no-obligation review of your situation.