Statutes define eligible beneficiaries, typically spouse, children, and parents, with tiered priority. Some statutes require dependency while others confer standing by relationship alone.
Beneficiary classes vary substantially by state.
Alternative Names:
Death Beneficiary|Statutory Beneficiary
Why it Matters?
Beneficiary identification determines exposure, since a decedent with a spouse and several minor children generates substantially greater damages than one with adult independent children or no statutory beneficiaries. Some statutes bar recovery entirely where no qualifying beneficiary exists, which is a complete defense worth confirming early. Estranged relationships affect loss of society damages without eliminating standing where the statute confers it by relationship.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why identify beneficiaries early?
Does estrangement affect standing?
