Wrongful Death—The Issue of Life Expectancy
The Virginia Pilot Online reported, on July 12 2013, that two women were killed in a head-on crash in Perquimans County, North Carolina. A man crossed the center lane on Harvey Lane Road and hit the car with the two women head-on. The accident happened near Burgess Road.
When considering the wrongful death damages one of the factors for each of the two woman victims will be – what was their life expectancy?
- How long would they have lived (and earned wages)?
- How long would they have provided services and society to their loved ones?
How is life expectancy determined? A number of factors are considered. First, there is a statute that provides assumptions that a jury is entitled to make. There are also other factors:
- How old were they when they wrongfully died?
- What was their race and ethnicity?
- What was their gender?
- How learned/educated were they? Educated people generally tend to eat healthier foods, exercise and prepare themselves for a long life.
- What was their family history? Family genetics and history of disease or non/disease helps predict a short or long life.
- Did they have good habits?
- Did they exercise?
- Did they smoke?
- Were they overweight?
- Did they drink?
- Did they have a disability?
- What was their income level? Higher income helps when it comes to better medical care and better foods.
- What state did they reside in?
Who determines life expectancy? Expert witnesses such as actuarie, statisticians or medical experts. These experts use actuary and mortality tables as a guide.
How our firm can help
If you know someone who died through the wrongful act of another, in North Carolina or Virginia, make sure that you really do contact an attorney. It is easy to do.
When it comes to wrongful death cases in North Carolina and Virginia, make sure you contact us online or call Wrongful Death Lawyer Joe Miller at 888-694-1671 to get all of the information that you need.
