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 Washington. The total amount that can be awarded in a wrongful death claim will depend on the facts of the case, as well as the damages sought. However, under Washington state law, there is a maximum limit of monetary damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim. In Washington, the total amount of any damages recovered for wrongful death is limited to the economic and noneconomic losses of the deceased person’s family. Economic losses may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and lost benefits, while noneconomic losses may include the loss of companionship, comfort, protection, and the value of the life of the deceased family member. Furthermore, the Washington State wrongful death statute also sets a cap on damages for noneconomic losses. That cap is currently $500,000 for each surviving family member, with a maximum total amount of $3 million for all claimants. The amount of damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit is at the discretion of a jury or judge and must also take into consideration any mitigating factors, such as contributory negligence by the deceased.
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