When a tragic accident prematurely ends the life of a loved one, the family left behind may face more than immediate grief. Many feel the pinch of today’s increasing cost of living, but they are often unaware of how expensive the cost of dying can be. In most cases, a wrongful death accident can leave families financially unprepared, adding distress to an already difficult time.
Medical and funeral expenses
Life-threatening accidents often demand complex procedures and advanced equipment. If a loved one was hospitalized before departing, the charges associated with their stay can add up to an exorbitant amount. Additionally, research shows that passing away in a hospital costs seven times more than at home.
Next, holding a funeral service is non-negotiable for most families. It is a way of honoring the deceased, saying goodbye and gathering in support. However, an average service can cost up to several thousand dollars, potentially causing financial strain when unprepared.
Lost income and benefits
If the departed was the family’s breadwinner, the sudden loss of their income can be devastating. This loss includes not just the wages and benefits from employment but also whatever financial aid they were receiving from the government. This situation could leave the family with a large financial gap.
Surviving spouses with children may struggle to uphold the family’s standard of living and face concerns about providing necessities.
Health costs
Losing someone dear may not only take an emotional toll on surviving family members but affect their health, too. Plenty of people become sick when they lose a loved one. Some suffer from sleep deprivation, anxiety, weight loss or gain or memory impairment. When these symptoms persist, they can affect a person’s ability to return to work or go on with daily life. Counseling and therapy may become necessary to cope with the loss.
The hidden costs of a sudden death are far-reaching. If your loved one passed away due to someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, such compensation could help you handle the financial difficulties of this trying period.
