Parental Compensation for Wrongful Death of a Child in Tennessee
When a parent or spouse dies, it is a relatively simple matter to determine the financial loss to the family. The court typically examines the lost loved one’s current wages, support and services contributed, and earning potential. Survivors are then compensated accordingly.
However, when a child is fatally injured as a result of another’s negligent conduct, damages are more difficult to calculate. Essentially, what the jury must decide is what the child would have contributed to the parents’ support had he or she lived. Quite obviously, the amount determined is mere speculation. Nevertheless, it is the jury’s task to determine the amount of such award for a wrongful death in Tennessee based upon such factors as the age of the child, expected life span, health and habits, earning potential and work expectancy.
In addition to loss of support, parents of a deceased child are also entitled to the child’s medical and funeral expenses, any mental and physical suffering of the child, loss of the child’s time, and all other necessary expenses resulting from the negligent conduct.
If you have lost a child due to a Tennessee car wreck, a defective product, or by some other accident resulting from the negligent conduct of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the responsible party.
At Baker Associates, our wrongful death attorneys understand that you are going through a very, very traumatic time and want you to know that you can, at least, place your legal worries in the competent hands of an experienced professional. Call Baker Associates to discuss your case with an experienced East Tennessee wrongful death lawyer today.
