In California, a spouse of an individual who is injured as a result of another’s wrongdoing is entitled to damages, called loss of consortium. Loss of consortium is claimed value of the spouse’s services.
For example, Plaintiff, Mr. Injured, hurts his back in an automobile accident, and is bed bound for three months. Mrs. Injured, would be entitled to loss of consortium for the value of all the things that Mr. Injured would have done, had it not been for his injury. Loss of consortium can include value of services such as house chores, cleaning, emotional support, and sexual services.
In California recovery of loss of consortium is limited to married couples. Individuals in relationships, boyfriend and girlfriends, or even couples who are engaged are not entitled to such damages.
Loss of consortium is often overlooked in many cases. In case of an automobile accident, pedestrian accident, trucking accident, motorcycle accident, boating accident, slip and fall or any type of serious injury accident, you should consult an experienced California personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights.