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Understanding Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Robert Stahle • May 7, 2018

wrongful death lawsuit - sioux city, ia - south sioux city, ne

Often, when a loved one dies unexpectedly due to the negligent or harmful actions of another person, those left behind are hesitant to pursue a wrongful death case. When a family is grieving and hoping to heal, the idea of lawsuit seems like it will only prolong the process.

This is understandable, but there are also times when a wrongful death lawsuit can ease the grieving process. For example, if the family has found themselves suffering financially due to the loss of their loved one. In these cases, the damages awarded in a wrongful death case can ease the financial burden on the family and let them focus on healing and moving forward.

Understanding Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Financial injury to the survivors of the deceased is the primary measure of damages awarded in a wrongful death case. These are called pecuniary injuries and include the loss of financial support, medical and funeral expenses and even loss of potential inheritance should the deceased had lived a longer life.

The damages that the family or estate may recover in a wrongful death case are determined by law. Each case is looked at individually and the amount awarded depends on the facts of the individual case, along with the availability of evidence that proves the damages.

Who Can Recover Wrongful Death Damages

The law sets very specific limits on who can collect damages in wrongful death cases. Although you might have had a very close, loving relationship with someone, if you don’t fall within this set of criteria, you have no grounds for recovering damages.

According to law, the following relatives can recover damages:

A surviving spouse
Adult children, including both biological and adopted. Stepchildren do not retain the same right
Parents, including parents of adult children, however their rights are superseded by that of the deceased adult child’s spouse or own children
A personal representative of the estate

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered

It’s impossible to place a financial value on a person’s life, and no one person is worth more than another. However, when determining damages, the court will look at the financial value of the case. This means that damages awarded are based on monetary worth only. For example, the death of someone supporting a family with a large income may be awarded more than that of someone who had a lesser financial influence on their family.

Types of damages often recovered in a wrongful death case include:

Medical bills incurred because of the incident leading to the wrongful death
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of income
Loss of benefits such as health insurance, pensions and social security
Child care expenses if the deceased was the primary person responsible for the care of child
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

The First Step to Recovering Damages

If you think you have grounds for a lawsuit, the first thing you need to do is connect with an experienced wrongful death attorney. We’re experienced and knowledgeable in wrongful death cases, and we’re here to help you. If you live near the Sioux City, NE or Sioux City, IA areas contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a consultation.

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How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025

When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.