Losing a loved one at any point is often a heavy blow to emotions and finances. When a death is the result of an unexpected car accident, these costs may worsen since it is unlikely that a person has planned contingencies to help with the finances.
Understanding the costs of wrongful death may help people navigate them better or even prepare for them.
Costs of a hospital stay
According to healthcare.gov, there is an average cost of $30,000 for a 3-day hospital stay. This does not necessarily factor in certain surgeries or life-saving attempts after a catastrophic accident. Even when these efforts still result in a loved one’s death, the bills remain.
Costs of a funeral
One of the first things people need to attend to after a wrongful death is the funeral services. Funeral homes often require payment before any will or insurance policy helps out. As the National Funeral Directors Association reports, Tennessee, and the East South Central region of the United States, see a median cost between $6,314 and $7,271 for funerals depending on whether a family decides on cremation or burial.
Preparation for wrongful death costs
Estate planning has some options, no matter a person’s age, to prepare for an unlikely and devastating accident. Funeral trusts and other insurance options provide a safety net when a family needs to tackle these sudden costs. In the case of negligence, wrongful death claims can point to these costs for compensation.
While every case is unique, there are options available for families trying to navigate this sensitive subject.
