A fatal accident in Virginia is a tragic event. Not only is someone’s life unexpectedly taken from them, but the deceased’s loved ones are left dealing with this sudden loss. Whether it is a spouse, parent, sibling or child, it can be extremely difficult to cope with this loss. Even more so, the coping process can be delayed and complicated as loved ones are also addressing the financial losses associated with this wrongful death.
Various losses can result following a fatal accident. One of these damages suffered by surviving loved ones is loss of companionship. This damage is also known as loss of affection or the loss of consortium. This refers to the loss or deprivation of the benefits of a relationship, such as married life or parenting. In other words, because of the death of a spouse, parent or child, he or she is not longer able to enjoy the affection associated with these types of relationships.
How do you prove loss of companionship in a wrongful death action? For matters involving the death of a spouse, there are four factors to consider when seeking loss of companionship. First is whether the marriage was stable and was a loving relationship. The next factor is the living arrangements of the spouses. Did they live together and did they share the same room or bed? The third factor is the amount of care and companionship received by the spouse. The final factor is the life expectancy of the deceased spouse.
The loss of a loved one is never easy, no matter the cause of the fatal accident tor the age of the victim. Surviving family members may be troubled by this event, making it difficult to navigate what they might be able to do in this matter. A wrongful death suit could help loved ones pursue compensation to address losses such as medical bills, funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost wages and other related damages.