Are wrongful death damages different from compensatory damages?

Yes, wrongful death damages are different from compensatory damages. In Washington, wrongful death damages are typically limited to pecuniary damages, which are defined as the loss of financial support, services, and other contributions that the deceased would have provided to his or her family, had he or she not passed away. Examples of pecuniary damages may include lost wages, lost potential inheritance, and medical bills incurred in attempting to save the deceased’s life. On the other hand, compensatory damages are designed to compensate the injured party for any losses sustained as the result of the wrongful death. These damages are typically awarded for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of consortium. It is important to note that these damages can be combined. Therefore, if an individual suffered pain and suffering as a result of the wrongful death, in addition to losing financial contributions from the deceased, a court may be willing to award both types of damages. Furthermore, punitive damages may also be awarded in certain circumstances if the responsible party’s conduct was particularly egregious. As such, it is important for any individual or family member seeking damages for a wrongful death in Washington to speak with an experienced attorney to fully understand the different types of damages that may be available.

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Are wrongful death damages different from compensatory damages?

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