Damages for personal injury were discussed in the previous blog.
In Arizona when a person dies as a result of the negligence of another person or entity, for example in a car, truck or motorcycle crash, then a claim for wrongful death damages may be pursued.
The general rule is that a claim may be brought by a surviving spouse, child or parent of the decedent, on behalf of the spouse or children, or parents of the decedent.
Every case and every claim is different. The total amount of damages will vary from case to case. The amount of damages that a surviving spouse, parent or child may recover will vary from case to case, there are many variables.
Damages that are considered when a claim is presented may include the following:
• The loss of love, affection and companionship since the death of the decedent and in the future.
• Pain, grief, sorrow and mental suffering experienced since the death, and in the future.
• Lost income as a result of the death.
There may be other claims and losses. When a governmental entity or employee may be responsible for the wrongful death then there are additional Notice of Claim requirements that need to be properly satisfied.