A serious injury does not only affect the person who is hurt — it ripples through their closest relationships. Iowa law recognizes this through loss of consortium claims, which allow certain family members to recover for the harm to their relationship.
What Loss of Consortium Covers
Loss of consortium compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and services resulting from a serious injury, and Iowa also recognizes claims for the loss of a parent-child relationship in appropriate cases.
Who Can Bring the Claim
Spouses and, in certain circumstances, children or parents may have a consortium claim arising from a loved one's serious injury. These claims are typically brought alongside the injured person's own claim.
Proving the Loss
Because these damages are personal and not measured by receipts, they require thoughtful presentation of how the injury changed the family relationship. An attorney can help articulate and document this loss.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney.