What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?

August 27, 2025

— Personal Injury

If your family loses someone because of another person’s negligence, you can seek damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. These damages can cover lost income, medical and funeral bills, and the emotional loss to surviving family members. While the estate’s executor must bring the claim, the compensation goes to the immediate family.

At Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson, our Greenwood, SC, wrongful death lawyers can help identify every category of damages and ensure you get everything you’re entitled to.

Damages Your Family Can Receive in a Wrongful Death Claim

Medical Expenses

If your loved one received emergency treatment before passing, the hospital bills are recoverable. For instance, if a family member was rushed to the hospital after a crash on U.S. 25 and passed days later, you could claim the cost of that treatment.

Funeral and Burial Expenses

These can be very expensive, but you can be reimbursed for these expenses through a wrongful death claim.

Loss of Financial Support

You can recover the income the deceased would likely have earned. This requires careful calculation of age, profession, and life expectancy. For instance, if your family member was killed in a plant accident, you can claim decades of lost wages.

Loss of Companionship and Emotional Support

Money can’t replace love and guidance. However, courts recognize the value of these relationships. Surviving children can seek damages for the loss of parental guidance, and spouses can seek damages for the loss of consortium.

Pain and Suffering of the Deceased

If your loved one endured conscious pain before passing, you can recover compensation for that suffering. This is typically proven with medical records and testimony.

The financial impact of an untimely death can be staggering. Beyond grief, families usually face sudden bills, lost income, and the challenge of raising children without a parent’s support. Wrongful death damages are meant to stabilize families like yours facing exactly this kind of hardship.

Issues That May Complicate Recovery for Wrongful Death Damages

Wrongful death cases don’t always unfold smoothly. Insurers commonly dispute the value of lost income, argue over life expectancy, or minimize the emotional damages. In some cases, they deny liability outright. With a Greenwood, SC, wrongful death lawyer working on your case, they will:

Calculate the full scope of damages, including long-term financial losses.
Gather expert testimony to prove what the deceased would have contributed to your family.
Negotiate with insurers who aim to settle for less.
Bring the case to trial if fair compensation isn’t offered.

Unfortunately, insurers sometimes get away with paying less than what the deceased’s family deserves. With proper advocacy, however, you can get compensated for decades of lost income and support that will help your family stay afloat in the years to come.

Let Our Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys in Greenwood, SC, Handle Your Case

If you’ve lost a loved one because of negligence, you can trust our Greenwood, SC, wrongful death lawyers to recover what you’re entitled to. Reach out to Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson and schedule your complimentary case assessment by sending an online message or dialing 864-229-7241. Our lawyers will review your case, explain your options, and fight to recover the damages that can help your family find stability after losing a loved one.