Wrongful Death Settlements
Average Settlement: $500,000
Wrongful death claims are brought by surviving family members when a person dies due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These cases seek to compensate the family for both economic losses such as lost financial support and non-economic losses such as grief, loss of companionship, and the deceased's pain and suffering prior to death.
Settlement Value Range
Wrongful Death settlements typically range from $100,000 to $5,000,000, with an average of $500,000. The wide range reflects differences in injury severity, liability, and the specific circumstances of each case.
Low
$100,000
Estimated
$500,000
High
$5.0M
Factors That Affect Wrongful Death Settlements
Several key factors determine how much your wrongful death claim may be worth. Insurance companies and courts consider these elements when evaluating your claim.
- ✓Decedent's age, income, and earning potential
- ✓Number and financial dependency of surviving beneficiaries
- ✓Circumstances and degree of negligence
- ✓Decedent's pain and suffering prior to death
- ✓Loss of consortium and companionship
- ✓Funeral and burial expenses
- ✓State wrongful death statute limitations
Common Injuries in Wrongful Death Cases
The specific injuries you sustain have a direct impact on the value of your settlement. More severe injuries with longer recovery periods typically result in higher settlement amounts.
Wrongful Death Laws by State
Settlement values for wrongful death claims vary by state. Select your state to learn how local laws affect your specific claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.