Calculating Damages in a McKinney Wrongful Death Case
Typically, calculating damages requires the assistance of economists. For instance, if the person killed is a high wage-earner, their lifestyle or governmental statistics can be used to determine what percentage of that income the person would typically use on their own upkeep and expenses, what is used to support various beneficiaries, and what is saved for what will ultimately be an inheritance. Usually, the family is the main consumer of the income, not the person who earns it.
In addition, when the negligence that caused the act is severe enough that it is considered gross negligence, such as drunk driving in a car wreck, exemplary damages may be available. The higher the individual’s actual losses, typically, the greater the potential for significant exemplary damages in those cases where exemplary damages are available.