If a slip-and-fall accident results in death, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the property owner. Some damages that you can claim through a wrongful death lawsuit are:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for any medical treatment the deceased received before death due to the accident.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to the funeral and burial of the deceased.
- Lost Income: Compensation for the income the deceased would have earned if they had lived, including potential future earnings.
- Loss of Benefits: Loss of pension, health insurance, and other benefits the deceased would have provided.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional distress and loss of companionship suffered by the surviving family members.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, affection, and companionship experienced by the spouse.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future.
Every wrongful death case is different, and the amount of money awarded can change depending on the details of the case, the relationship between the family members and the deceased, and the location where the case is filed. Talking to an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand what compensation you might receive.
Can a property owner be held responsible for injuries their employees sustain while working?
Property owners generally owe a duty of care to their employees to maintain a safe workplace. However, workers’ compensation laws typically cover employee injuries on the job, limiting lawsuits against the property owner. Exceptions might exist if the owner intentionally created a dangerous condition or failed to warn employees about a known hazard.
Can a property owner be held responsible for injuries independent contractors sustain on their property?
Property owners have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe property for anyone lawfully present, including independent contractors. If the owner fails in this duty and the contractor is injured, they might be liable for the damages. Exceptions include inherently dangerous activities or trespassing.
Can I file a premises liability claim for injuries in a shopping mall or plaza?
If you were injured in a shopping mall or plaza, you might file a premises liability claim. It depends on whether the property owner was negligent.
For instance, if you slipped on an uncleaned spill, you could have a case. You need to prove the owner knew or should’ve known about the hazard and that it caused your injuries.
What is a property owner’s duty of care to prevent swimming pool and hot tub accidents?
A property owner must ensure their swimming pool or hot tub is safe and hazard-free. If they fail to do so and someone gets injured, the owner may be liable. If you were injured in a pool or hot tub accident, consult an experienced premises liability attorney to discuss your options.
What is a property owner’s duty to prevent accidents on docks and piers?
Property owners must keep their docks and piers safe by clearing debris, repairing damage, and posting warning signs. If someone gets injured, the owner might be liable. To understand your responsibilities, you should consult an experienced premises liability lawyer.