Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is emotionally devastating and often creates overwhelming financial consequences for surviving family members. In Missouri, wrongful death law allows families to pursue compensation from the responsible party to help restore financial stability and provide a sense of justice. A key part of that recovery involves understanding the difference between economic and non-economic damages—two categories that form the foundation of wrongful death settlements. 

Economic damages represent the measurable financial losses caused by the death. These are the tangible costs a family faces, often beginning the moment an accident occurs. They include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills for the treatment the deceased received before passing, and the loss of the deceased’s income and benefits. For families who depended on the victim’s financial support, this component of recovery is critical. Economic damages may also encompass the value of household services the deceased would have provided, such as childcare, transportation, or home maintenance. In essence, they compensate survivors for the practical, monetary impact of a wrongful death. 

On the other hand, under Missouri law, non-economic damages in a wrongful death case compensate surviving family members for the intangible losses resulting from a loved one’s death—losses that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. These damages may include loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, consortium, and emotional support, as well as the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death. Missouri generally places no cap on non-economic damages in most wrongful death cases, except in certain medical malpractice claims, where statutory limits apply. The goal is to provide fair compensation for the human, emotional, and relational impact of the death, not just financial losses.

In Missouri, determining the value of both economic and non-economic damages requires careful consideration and skilled legal analysis. Financial losses are often supported by documentation such as employment records, tax returns, medical bills, and expert testimony from economists who estimate future lost income and benefits. Non-economic damages, by contrast, rely heavily on testimony from family members, friends, and others who can describe the deceased’s role in the family and the profound emotional impact of their loss. Missouri courts consider these factors carefully to ensure that any settlement or jury award reflects both the tangible and emotional realities survivors endure. 

The balance between these two forms of compensation often defines the total value of a wrongful death settlement. In some cases, particularly where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. While punitive damages are rare, they play an important role in cases involving egregious misconduct, such as drunk driving or intentional harm. 

Working with an experienced Missouri wrongful death trial attorney is essential when pursuing fair compensation. A trial attorney can accurately calculate both economic and non-economic damages, gather the necessary financial and emotional evidence, and advocate for the full value of your claim in negotiations or court. Without legal representation, families risk undervaluing the long-term impact of their loss or accepting an inadequate insurance settlement. 

When a loved one’s life is cut short due to negligence, the legal system provides a pathway toward accountability and financial recovery. Understanding the role of economic and non-economic damages is the first step toward ensuring that your family receives the full measure of justice you deserve. If you have recently lost someone in a wrongful death incident in Missouri, contact Gunn | Slater today for a compassionate and thorough case evaluation. We are here to help you recover both the financial support and emotional closure you need to move forward.