Are there any limits to the amount that can be awarded in a wrongful death suit?

Yes, there are limits to the amount that can be awarded in a wrongful death suit in California. There are two potential limits that may apply. The first is set by California state law. Under California statute, the total amount of damages recoverable in a wrongful death suit is limited to the economic value of the life lost. This includes the loss of earnings and burial expenses, as well as the loss of companionship and services of the deceased. The second limit is set by the defendant’s insurance company. In certain cases, an insurance company may limit the amount of damages that an individual can recover in a wrongful death lawsuit. For instance, if the defendant is protected by a liability insurance policy with a coverage limit, the limit on the damages award may be set at the amount of the policy. Depending on the size of the policy, this could be the lower of the two limits. In addition to these limits, a judge or jury may also reduce the amount of damages awarded for a wrongful death claim based on the comparative fault of the deceased or the defendant. In any case, a person considering filing a wrongful death suit should work with an experienced lawyer to ensure that they are properly represented and that they receive the full amount of damages they are entitled to under the law.

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