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A wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another individual, company or organization. A legal action for wrongful death belongs to the decedent’s immediate family members, usually a surviving spouse and children, and sometimes parents. Under certain circumstances, unrelated minor children living with and supported by the decedent may also bring a claim for wrongful death.

In order to bring a successful wrongful death cause of action in Indiana, the following elements must be present:

  • The death of a human being
  • Caused by another’s negligent or intentional conduct
  • The survival of family members who are suffering the loss of financial support, love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society previously provided by the deceased

economic and non-economic damages

The general rule in Indiana in wrongful death cases is that one is entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages which are suffered as a result of the loss of a loved one.

Economic damages in a wrongful death case include an award for the financial contributions which the decedent would have made to his wife, children and/or parents had he or she survived.

It also includes the recovery for funeral services in memory of the decedent and for burial costs.

Non-economic damages include loss of love, companionship, comfort, affection, society, solace or moral support.

Do you need an attorney for a wrongful death case?

WHAT IS A WRONGFUL DEATH?

A wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another individual, company or organization. A legal action for wrongful death belongs to the decedent’s immediate family members, usually a surviving spouse and children, and sometimes parents. Under certain circumstances, unrelated minor children living with and supported by the decedent may also bring a claim for wrongful death. 

successful wrongful death Cases

In order to bring a successful wrongful death cause of action in Indiana, the following elements must be present:

  • The death of a human being
  • Caused by another’s negligent or intentional conduct
  • The survival of family members who are suffering the loss of financial support, love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society previously provided by the deceased

The general rule in Indiana in wrongful death cases is that one is entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages which are suffered as a result of the loss of a loved one. Economic damages in a wrongful death case include an award for the financial contributions which the decedent would have made to his wife, children and/or parents had he or she survived. It also includes the recovery for funeral services in memory of the decedent and for burial costs. Non-economic damages include loss of love, companionship, comfort, affection, society, solace or moral support.

“Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.”

Montesquieu