Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits typically pay damages to the victim. However, they’re not the only one who has suffered—and there could be compensation available for their losses, too. If your loved one was injured or killed in an accident, you may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
Loss of consortium refers to losing the support and services you’d typically receive from a spouse or parent. When an accident interferes with a loved one’s ability to provide financial, emotional and physical support, damages can make up for the subsequent financial loss.
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you understand whether you qualify for loss of consortium damages. Read on for a general overview.
What’s included in loss of consortium?
Loss of consortium includes but is not limited to:
- Loss of income: If the injured party significantly contributed to the household’s finances, loss of consortium damages can make up for that financial loss.
- Loss of services: Household contributions aren’t just financial. Laundry, cooking, yard maintenance, cleaning and childcare are valuable services. Damages can help make up for the gap in services, especially if you need to hire outside assistance.
- Loss of companionship: Loss of society, companionship, affection and sexual relationships, as well as losing guidance from a parent, can make a significant impact on a plaintiff’s life. Loss of consortium damages can make up for that financial harm.
To prove loss of consortium, your lawyer will show the victim’s life expectancy, the financial situation before and after the accident, the stability of the relationship and how their injuries affected the household emotionally.
Things to note
Loss of consortium is typically available for spouses and children. In some cases, other family members or parties may have standing to sue.
Ohio caps noneconomic damages at $350,000, except in cases of catastrophic injury. Loss of consortium is considered a type of noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries can recover more than $350,000 in noneconomic damages.
If your loved one’s injury was so severe as to be eligible for loss of consortium damages, it’s crucial you call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today. We’ll review your claim, explain your legal options and let you know whether your claim is likely to succeed. If you’re asking for loss of consortium damages, we’ll help you understand what you can expect to collect, and whether there might be any bars to recovery.
Find out more about your Ohio personal injury claim today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you reach a favorable outcome in your personal injury case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.