March 11, 2025
In wrongful death claims, calculating the deceased's future earnings involves a detailed assessment of their potential lifetime income.
Earning Capacity: The court assesses the deceased's earning capacity, considering factors like age, education, work experience, and skill set to determine potential income during their working years.
Life Expectancy: The court considers the deceased's life expectancy, accounting for their age, health, and other relevant factors, to estimate the number of future income-earning years lost due to their death.
Inflation and Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Compensation for lost future income is often adjusted for inflation and the cost of living to account for potential wage growth and changes in the economy.
Expert Testimony: Courts rely on economists and financial planners to determine the appropriate amount of loss of future income. They consider the deceased's prior income, opportunities for advancement, and expected remaining years of work.
Lost Benefits: Beyond base salary, calculations include health insurance, retirement contributions, and bonuses. The economic value of work benefits, such as paid leave and health insurance, can substantially add to the total value of an employment arrangement.
Non-Monetary Contributions: Non-monetary contributions to the household, such as childcare or household management, also need to be considered, as their loss can have significant financial consequences for the family.
Calculating the amount the deceased would have contributed involves considering their career, education, age, and background to determine potential earnings, including the value of services or care provided, such as medical care, education, homemaking, childcare, cooking, and laundry.
To pursue a wrongful death case in California, consider contacting the skilled LA County, CA wrongful death lawyers with Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. at 818-242-8201 for a free consultation
Read: Are Punitive Damages Available in North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
