Wrongful Death Payout Awarded

The estate of Sean Bell, who was wrongfully shot to death by police in 2006, was recently awarded a $3.25 million settlement. After attorneys’ fees are paid, the money will be placed in a trust for Mr. Bell’s minor children. Mr. Bell’s fiancée will receive nothing because New York law does not allow payouts to unwed partners (even though Mr. Bell was shot on the morning of his wedding day).

Compensation in wrongful death cases is limited to loss of financial support and companionship. Thus, awards for wrongful death are often less than awards for severe injury.

See A. G. Sulzberger, Bell Case Underlines Limits of Wrongful-Death Payouts, N.Y. Times, July 28, 2010.