Wrongful Death Damages

Anchorage Wrongful Death Attorney

The sudden death of a loved one is filled with uncertainty. Unfortunately, this loss can also be accompanied by severe financial hardship in many cases. When another’s negligent actions have caused a wrongful death, that party should be held accountable for the damages that result. Anchorage wrongful death attorney Sean Brown helps families recover the compensation they need, and are entitled to, following a fatal accident. At the Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center of the Brown Law Firm, LLC, we understand that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, pursuing legal action to recover wrongful death damages is sometimes the only way to make sure your bills are paid, and your financial future remains intact. Mr. Brown is dedicated to making sure those responsible for causing an accident are the ones who are also responsible for damages related to it. If have questions about what compensation you are entitled to after a fatal accident, contact our office at 907-222-9900 to find out more about your legal rights.

Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims

In Alaska, the personal representative of an estate can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages from the party responsible for the descendant’s death. This compensation is intended to benefit the descendant’s family such as a surviving spouse, children, or others who depended on them before their death. If there are no surviving relatives, damages are paid to the estate itself. Wrongful death damages are awarded to compensate individuals for financial and emotional losses that result from a person’s death. Each case is unique in that the type of damages as well as the amount will depend on the circumstances. A knowledgeable Anchorage wrongful death lawyer can help you determine what you may be entitled to in your case.

Generally, compensation for the following is considered when determining damages:

• Medical bills related to the fatal injuries sustained.
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of prospective training and education.

Compensation may also be awarded for loss of assistance or services a descendant would provide his surviving family. Loss of consortium is also considered, which includes any lost comfort, care, protection, and companionship that a surviving family member would have received had the descendant lived.

In Alaska, there are limits on the amount of wrongful death damages that may be awarded. For noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering or loss of consortium, the state has issued a cap of the greater of either $400,000, or the years of the descendant’s life expectancy times $8,000. However, there is no limit on the amount of economic damages to be awarded for actual financial losses due to a person’s death. Wrongful death suits must be filed within the statute of limitations, which in Alaska, is two years from the date of a person’s death.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Anchorage and Surrounding Areas

When a loved one dies unexpectedly, family members are left with overwhelming grief. This time is not only filled with emotional hardships, but financial ones as well. A wrongful death can arise out of a fatal car accident, motorcycle collision, aviation accident, or occur at work. When another party’s intentional or negligent wrongdoing causes a fatality, that party should be held legally liable. Anchorage wrongful death attorney Sean Brown can help you pursue the proper lawsuit against those responsible for your loss. The Brown Law Firm, LLC provides compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to residents across Western Alaska, including Aniak, Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Saint Mary’s. At the Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center we believe all Alaskan residents have the right to experienced and dedicated legal services, regardless of where they live. If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal accident and have questions about your legal rights, please call our office at 907-222-9900 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.