Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating, especially when someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes their death. In Idaho, families who lose a spouse, parent, or child due to another party’s actions may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can replace a life, financial compensation can help ease the burdens that often follow a sudden and tragic loss.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help grieving families in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls seek justice and financial recovery after a wrongful death. One of the most important—and often complex—parts of this process is understanding the types of losses you can recover and how they are calculated.
What Are Economic and Non-Economic Losses?
In a wrongful death case, damages are generally divided into two categories:
- Economic losses are the tangible financial contributions the deceased would have provided, such as income, benefits, and household support.
- Non-economic losses are the intangible losses suffered by the surviving family members, such as loss of companionship, loss of support, and mental anguish.
Both types are critical to fully compensating a family for the true impact of their loss.
Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
Economic damages are meant to replace the financial support the deceased would have contributed had they lived. These are typically easier to quantify using documentation, expert testimony, and financial projections.
Common types of economic damages include:
Lost income and future earnings
If the deceased was employed, survivors can seek compensation for the income they would have earned during their lifetime. This includes wages, bonuses, retirement contributions, and career advancement potential.
Loss of benefits
Health insurance, life insurance, and pension benefits are often factored into economic damages.
Medical expenses
Any medical care the deceased received before passing, such as emergency treatment or hospital stays, can be included in a wrongful death claim.
Funeral and burial costs
Reasonable costs for funeral services, burial, cremation, and related arrangements are reimbursable.
Loss of household services
If the deceased contributed to household tasks like childcare, cooking, home maintenance, or transportation, the cost of replacing these services may be included.
To determine these amounts, attorneys often work with economists, accountants, and vocational experts to project the full scope of financial loss.
Non-Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
Non-economic damages are less concrete but just as real. These address the emotional and relational toll of losing a loved one.
Common non-economic damages include:
Loss of companionship and love
Spouses, children, and parents often suffer the loss of love, guidance, emotional support, and affection that the deceased provided.
Loss of parental guidance
Minor children who lose a parent are entitled to compensation for the loss of moral training, instruction, and care.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages don’t come with receipts or pay stubs. Instead, your attorney will present compelling evidence—including testimony, family history, and the strength of the relationship—to support these claims.
Idaho’s Wrongful Death Laws: Who Can File and Recover Damages?
Under Idaho law, the following people may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (biological or adopted)
- Parents
- Other legal dependents or heirs
Each survivor may be entitled to compensation depending on their relationship to the deceased and the nature of their losses. In many cases, damages are divided among surviving family members according to the extent of each person’s loss.
How Courts Calculate Damages
In court, calculating wrongful death damages involves both objective financial data and subjective evaluations of loss. Judges and juries consider:
- Age and health of the deceased
- Earning capacity and work history
- Life expectancy
- Relationship with surviving family members
- Degree of emotional and financial dependence
In many cases, a wrongful death settlement may be negotiated without going to trial. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we work hard to secure a fair outcome, whether through aggressive negotiation or courtroom litigation.
Why You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death claims are emotionally and legally complex. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or dispute the value of your losses. That’s why working with a dedicated attorney is critical.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help families across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls and throughout Southern Idaho build strong wrongful death cases that accurately reflect the depth of their loss. We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Trusted Idaho Wrongful Death Attorney
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Idaho has strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing wrongful death claims. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights.
Contact Johnson & Lundgreen today for a free, compassionate consultation.