What damages can I recover in a wrongful death lawsuit?

I'm very sorry for your loss. In a wrongful death case, you may be entitled to recover: lost wages and benefits your father would have earned, loss of parental guidance and companionship, funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, pain and suffering your father experienced, and loss of inheritance. Given your father's age and earning capacity, $500,000 is likely far below what your family deserves. Please consult with a wrongful death attorney before accepting any offer.

Construction accidents often involve multiple liable parties—the general contractor, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and others. A thorough investigation may reveal additional sources of compensation. Also, if OSHA violations contributed to the accident, that strengthens your case significantly. Do not accept the company's offer without having an experienced wrongful death attorney review your case. These cases are complex and the stakes are too high to handle without proper representation.

To put the offer in perspective: if your father earned $75,000 per year and would have worked 15 more years, his lost wages alone would be over $1 million—and that's before accounting for raises, benefits, and the other damages mentioned. The company's $500,000 offer suggests they know they're liable and are trying to settle cheaply. An attorney can calculate the true value of your claim and fight for fair compensation.