What are the non-economic damages that may be available in a wrongful death case?

In a wrongful death case in the state of New York, non-economic damages may be available to those affected. Non-economic damages are those that do not have a concrete monetary value and are typically intended to cover intangible losses. For instance, non-economic damages may include compensation for the pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to their death, mental anguish experienced by survivors due to the loss of the loved one, lost parental guidance, and the loss of companionship, love, and affection. New York law also recognizes a claim for wrongful death when the death resulted from an intentional act. In such cases, survivors are typically entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can be sizable if a higher degree of malicious intent is found. In the state of New York, there are also damages available for loss of support and services. These types of damages are designed to compensate the survivors for any financial support the deceased may have provided, as well as compensation for the value of services they may have provided, such as childcare or household maintenance. Finally, survivors may also be entitled to compensation for reasonable funeral and burial expenses incurred as a result of the wrongful death. This type of compensation helps to ensure that the deceased is given a proper and respectful burial, and that families do not have to bear an undue financial burden as a result of the death.

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