What types of damages can be awarded in a wrongful death suit?

In North Carolina, wrongful death suits allow surviving family members to seek damages from parties responsible for the death of a loved one. Damages in these suits can include: Economic Damages. Economic damages cover financial losses such as lost wages, medical costs, and funeral expenses. This includes the financial contributions the deceased would have made to the family had they still been alive. Non-Economic Damages. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but they take into consideration the emotional suffering of those affected by the death. These include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium, which is a legal term for the loss of someone’s physical presence. Punitive Damages. Punitive damages are a form of compensation meant to punish defendants for particularly egregious actions and to deter others from committing similar acts. In North Carolina, punitive damages can be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was malicious, oppressive, or grossly negligent. In addition to damages, North Carolina courts may also grant family members other forms of relief, like injunctive relief, which allows them to stop certain actions from being taken. Wrongful death suits can be complicated and it is recommended that families seek legal counsel for help in navigating the process.

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What types of damages can be awarded in a wrongful death suit?

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