What effect does wrongful death have on the estate of the deceased?
Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe the situation in which an individual’s death is caused by another person’s negligence or carelessness. In the state of California, the wrongful death of an individual has an effect on the estate of the deceased, as it is the estate that is entitled to damages incurred from the death. The estate of the deceased person is the entity that can sue for wrongful death. This is because, in California, only certain family members are entitled to recover damages from the death, and the damages are usually paid out of the estate. That means that, even though the immediate family members may suffer the most psychologically and emotionally, the estate is the one that receives the financial compensation. The compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can be used by the estate to cover medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses. It can also be used to recover costs associated with grief counseling, legal fees, and other costs associated with the lawsuit. It can also provide financial support to family members who have lost an income provider. In some cases, the court might also award punitive damages, which are meant to punish and discourage the wrongdoer from committing similar negligent acts in the future. Wrongful death lawsuits are an important resource for the estate of the deceased and their family, allowing them to recover financially from the loss of a loved one. The damages awarded can provide much needed financial support during a difficult time, allowing the family to move forward after a tragedy.
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