What Is the Average Payout in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Idaho

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Beyond the emotional toll, wrongful death often creates serious financial strain, from medical expenses to lost income and funeral costs. In the wake of such loss, many families naturally want to know what the average payout for a wrongful death lawsuit in Idaho is.

While it’s understandable to ask about average payouts, the truth is that no two cases are alike. The value of your wrongful death claim should be based on the losses your family has suffered, not an average.

In this article, our Idaho wrongful death lawyers explain what types of compensation may be available, how these cases work, and what steps families can take to protect their rights.

What Damages Could Your Family Recover in an Idaho Wrongful Death Case?

Compensation in a wrongful death case is meant to address the full scope of both financial and emotional losses experienced by the family. Damages typically fall into two categories:

Economic Damages: The Financial Burden on Your Family

Economic damages are the costs and expenses your family has suffered due to the loss of your loved one. Examples of economic damages typically include:

• Medical bills related to the final illness or injury
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits

Some cases may also involve loss of household services or contributions the deceased provided, such as childcare or elder care.

Non-Economic Damages: The Emotion Turmoil You Suffered

Your family’s non-economic damages reflect the emotional suffering you experience, which often includes such things as:

• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• Emotional pain and suffering experienced by the survivors

Idaho does not place a cap on most types of economic damages in wrongful death cases. However, Idaho Code § 6-1603 does place a cap on non-economic damages, which is adjusted annually due to inflation.

Punitive Damages: Egregious Acts of Negligence

In especially severe cases, the judge or jury in your wrongful death lawsuit may consider punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These are awarded not to compensate the family, but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

What Can Influence the Value of Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim?

Since no two cases are the same, there is no meaningful average payout for a wrongful death lawsuit. Instead, several factors play a role in determining how much compensation may be appropriate:

• Age and health of the deceased: Younger individuals with many working years ahead often result in higher economic losses.
• Earning potential and occupation: Lost wages and benefits are a major factor in determining financial impact.
• The deceased’s role in the household: Caregiving, household tasks, and emotional support all have value.
• Circumstances of the death: Clear negligence or egregious behavior can influence negotiations or jury verdicts.
• Available insurance coverage: The defendant’s policy limits may cap recovery.
• Evidence and documentation: Strong, timely evidence supports a stronger personal injury claim.
• Settlement vs. trial: Settlements tend to be quicker but may result in lower payouts than jury awards.

Each of these elements must be evaluated and substantiated with the right documentation and expert input.

Insurance adjusters often use formulas or internal guidelines to estimate settlement values, but these rarely reflect the full emotional and financial cost to a grieving family. Our personal injury attorney’s job is to push back against undervaluation and demand what the case is truly worth.

What Should You Know About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Idaho?

Under Idaho Code § 5-311, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act or neglect of another.” A wrongful death claim allows certain surviving family members to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party.

In Idaho, the following individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Surviving spouse
• Children or stepchildren
• Parents
• Any dependents
• Legal guardians or personal representatives of the estate

Wrongful death lawsuits can stem from a wide range of fatal incidents. Common fatal accident types in Idaho include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Commercial truck accidents
• Bicycle collisions
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and falls
• Construction site or workplace fatalities

In addition to proving that someone else’s negligence caused the death, families must show the losses they have suffered as a result. Idaho law also outlines how damages are distributed. If the deceased had no will, the compensation is typically divided among surviving heirs according to Idaho’s intestate succession laws.

This distribution can sometimes create conflict within families, especially in cases involving blended families or estranged relatives. Consulting an attorney early on can help prevent disputes and ensure the process moves forward with clarity.

Are There Any Other Idaho Laws That Can Affect Your Wrongful Death Case?

Families must navigate several important legal rules that can affect both eligibility and the value of a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Idaho law requires that wrongful death lawsuits be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation entirely.

Comparative Negligence Could Affect Your Claim

Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the deceased was partially at fault for the incident that caused their death, compensation may be reduced. If they were 50% or more at fault, the family may be barred from recovery.

These rules make it critical for families to act quickly and to work with an attorney who understands how to navigate Idaho’s legal system.

How Can an Idaho Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Your Family’s Recovery?

Families dealing with a wrongful death are often overwhelmed and should be focused on spending time with their loved ones. A wrongful death attorney in Idaho can handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Our attorneys can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of death
• Identify all liable parties and insurance policies
• Determine and document all damages, including long-term losses
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Prepare the case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Perhaps most importantly, a lawyer ensures that all insurance claims and lawsuits are filed before legal deadlines and in the proper venue.

Our attorneys will also work with economic and medical experts to quantify your family’s damages, proving the full value of the claim.

Is There Anything Your Family Should Do to Protect Their Rights After a Wrongful Death?

Time is not on your side in a wrongful death case. Taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in your ability to recover full compensation.

To protect your family’s rights, here are actions we recommend:

• Report the incident: You should contact the local authorities immediately and have them conduct a thorough investigation into the death of your loved one.
• Preserve evidence: Take photos, collect reports, gather witness names, and keep any other relevant details that your attorney can use to develop your wrongful death claim.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies: The insurance adjusters can use anything you say to either reduce or deny your claim, so keep conversations to the basic information.
• Consult an attorney promptly: The earlier you seek legal guidance, the sooner your attorney can protect your rights and secure evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

If the decedent’s estate is involved, appointing a personal representative quickly is also important. This individual may act on behalf of the estate in pursuing the wrongful death claim.

These steps not only protect your legal rights but also help ensure that your family receives the financial support you may be entitled to receive.

Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is not to put a price on life, but to help families rebuild and hold the responsible party accountable. Seeking an average settlement may seem like a wise decision, but it could cost your family.

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your options.

At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we help families in Idaho pursue justice with compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to results. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how an Idaho wrongful death lawyer can help your family during this difficult time.

Idaho Wrongful Death Lawsuit FAQs