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

In Virginia, a wrongful death suit can be brought when a person has died due to the negligent or intentional act of another person. Wrongful death suits allow family members of the deceased to seek monetary compensation for the damages caused by the death of their loved one. Potential damages that may be awarded in a wrongful death suit include: funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the deceased’s final illness or injury, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned if they were still alive, and loss of companionship, love, support, and guidance. Pain and suffering the deceased experienced due to their final illness or injury before they died can also be compensated. In addition, punitive damages may also be awarded in a wrongful death suit if the defendant acted in an especially reckless or malicious manner. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the deceased’s family financially, but rather to punish the defendant and deter them from taking similar actions in the future. It is important to note that Virginia does not allow for wrongful death suits to be brought for exemplary damages, which are intended to punish the defendant but are not related to physical suffering. So, even in cases where the defendant acted in an especially egregious manner, the surviving family may not be awarded exemplary damages.

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