Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in a Perris Wrongful Death Case

Families in Perris who lose a loved one because of another party’s negligence face both financial and emotional hardship. California wrongful death law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for these losses, which fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

What are Economic Damages in a Perris Wrongful Death Case?

Economic damages compensate families for measurable financial losses connected to the death. California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.61 authorizes survivors to recover direct financial contributions the deceased would have provided if the wrongful act had not occurred. Common economic damages include:

• Final medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment or care provided before death
• Funeral and burial expenses: Reasonable charges associated with memorial services, cremation, or burial
• Loss of expected financial support: Income the deceased would have earned over their expected work life
• Loss of benefits: Health benefits, pension contributions, and employment-related perks the family depended on
• Loss of household services: Daily tasks and contributions such as childcare, cleaning, transportation, and home maintenance

Courts rely on objective evidence such as tax returns, pay stubs, medical invoices, and expert economic projections to calculate these losses. The goal is to restore the financial stability the family would have had if the tragedy had not occurred.

Non-Economic Damages in a Perris Wrongful Death Case

Non-economic damages compensate families for losses that do not have a clear financial value but significantly impact their emotional well-being. California law recognizes that wrongful death affects far more than a household budget. Common non-economic damages include:

• Loss of companionship: The absence of affection, love, comfort, and emotional support
• Loss of guidance and protection: The wisdom, mentorship, and care the deceased provided to the family
• Loss of consortium: The loss of intimacy and the marital relationship for a surviving spouse or registered domestic partner

Unlike economic damages, non-economic losses do not rely on documentation. Instead, decision makers evaluate factors such as the deceased’s role in the family, the quality of relationships, and the emotional impact of the loss. California places no cap on non-economic damages in most wrongful death claims, allowing families in Perris to recover the full value of their intangible losses.

Who is Eligible to Recover Damages?

California law identifies the family members who may pursue wrongful death damages. Those often include:

• Spouses or domestic partners
• Children
• Stepchildren or parents who depended on the deceased for financial support
• Other relatives who can prove financial dependence

All eligible heirs bring a single wrongful death action, but each person may recover damages that reflect their individual losses.

Why Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer Matters

Wrongful death claims are complex and insurance companies often challenge both economic and non-economic loss valuations, which can place additional stress on grieving families. An experienced Perris wrongful death attorney will:

• Gather and preserve critical evidence
• Work with economic experts to calculate financial losses accurately
• Demonstrate the emotional and relational impact of the death
• Handle communication with insurers and responsible parties
• Pursue the maximum compensation permitted by California law

Legal representation ensures that families do not face these challenges alone and that the claim reflects the full extent of the harm suffered.

Contact Hanson & Mouri

If your family lost a loved one in a Perris wrongful death accident, Hanson & Mouri is ready to help. We will explain your rights, outline your options, and guide you through each step of the legal process. Contact us online or call (951) 688-0006 today to schedule a free consultation today.