What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a claim for loss of consortium?

Wrongful death and loss of consortium are two different types of legal claims that can arise out of the same wrongful act. In Virginia, a wrongful death claim is one in which the claimant is seeking to recover damages caused by the death of a family member due to a wrongful act. This type of claim is usually brought by the family members of the deceased, including their spouse, children, or parents. The damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for lost wages, funeral and burial expenses, and emotional distress. On the other hand, a claim for loss of consortium is one that seeks to recover damages caused by the loss of companionship due to a wrongful act. This type of claim is usually brought by the spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. In a claim for loss of consortium, the damages that can be recovered are typically limited to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. In short, wrongful death and loss of consortium are two distinct types of legal claims that can arise out of the same wrongful act. While wrongful death claims are sought by family members of the deceased, a claim for loss of consortium is brought by the spouse, parent, or child. Both types of claims seek to provide compensation for the loss of a loved one, but the damages that may be recovered under each type of claim are different.

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What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a claim for loss of consortium?

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