No family is ever prepared for the tragedy of losing a loved one in a sudden car accident.

The grief and pain that follows is overwhelming, and the last thing you want to think about is money.

However, California law recognizes that surviving family members deserve financial compensation when a loved one’s life is cut short by someone else’s negligence. This compensation covers what’s already been lost and the many future expenses and hardships they will face.

If you’re considering a wrongful death claim, understanding which future expenses you can include is crucial to protecting your family’s stability for years to come.

Calculating Future Damages: Ensuring Your Family’s Financial Stability

A wrongful death claim isn’t just about funeral bills or medical costs. Its primary purpose is to provide for the surviving family members, replacing the support the deceased would have provided emotionally, financially, and practically.

These future costs can add up to hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars, over a lifetime.

When calculating damages, future expenses often make up a significant portion of your claim. Here’s what you need to know:

Loss of Future Earnings

One of the largest components of a wrongful death claim is the loss of income your loved one would have earned if their life had continued as expected. This isn’t just a simple paycheck calculation; it can include:

  • Expected raises and promotions
  • Bonuses, commissions, and overtime
  • Retirement contributions and pension plans
  • Potential career advancements

To estimate this amount, California car accident attorneys often work with vocational experts and economists who look at the deceased’s age, career trajectory, education, and work history to project what their lifetime earnings could have been.

This helps ensure that your family receives fair compensation for the decades of financial support that have been lost.

Loss of Benefits and Inheritance

In addition to salary, many people receive valuable benefits through their jobs, such as health insurance, stock options, and retirement accounts. A wrongful death claim can include the value of these lost benefits and the inheritance or financial gifts your family member would likely have passed down over the years.
For example, if your loved one was saving for a child’s college fund or was expected to help aging parents, those anticipated contributions should be factored into your claim.

Loss of Companionship, Care, and Support Services

Losing a spouse, parent, or child affects more than just your bank account. In California, families can also seek compensation for the many day-to-day contributions that may go unnoticed but are deeply felt when gone, including loss of companionship, emotional support, and household services.
This might include:

  • Childcare and parenting
  • Household chores, repairs, and maintenance
  • Transportation and caregiving for relatives
  • Guidance and emotional support for children or spouses

While these losses are difficult to quantify, they are no less real. Skilled attorneys often use expert testimony to show how much these services would have cost if hired out or how your family dynamic has changed.

How Are These Future Expenses Calculated?

Calculating future losses requires a case-by-case approach. Attorneys often work with a network of experts, including economic analysts, vocational specialists, and life care planners, to ensure every aspect of your loss is included.
They’ll look at factors such as:

  • Life expectancy of the deceased and survivors
  • Inflation and cost-of-living adjustments
  • The value of lost benefits and services
  • Unique family circumstances, such as young children or dependent adults

Insurance companies are known for undervaluing these damages. They may use outdated tables, ignore likely promotions, or downplay the impact of losing a caregiver or mentor. That’s why detailed documentation, expert analysis, and strong advocacy are essential.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Wrongful Death Cases

Pursuing a wrongful death claim isn’t something you should have to handle alone, especially when your family’s future is at stake. California car accident attorneys experienced in wrongful death cases can help you:

  • Identify all eligible damages, including those that insurance companies might overlook
  • Work with experts to accurately project future losses
  • Fight for full compensation at the negotiating table or in court

At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that no dollar amount can compensate you for your loss. But we also know that securing your family’s financial future is one way to honor your loved one’s memory and move forward with dignity and peace of mind.

Protect What Matters Most—Contact Berg Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve lost a loved one in a California car accident, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help protect your family’s future.