A wrongful death award may vary according to many factors, including the state's law under which the wrongful death claim is brought, the age, health, and financial position of the victim, and facts about the victim's family. Therefore, the amount of a wrongful death settlement for a middle-aged man in Arizona may differ markedly from a wrongful death settlement for a three-year-old child in Massachusetts. Because wrongful death suits are based primarily on pecuniary damages, different factual circumstances will result in different wrongful death awards. Likewise, one state may allow an award of punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in certain or all circumstances, whereas another state might not permit punitive damages to be awarded at all. Therefore, it is essential that you consult an attorney if you believe that you may have a wrongful death claim following the death of a loved one. By contacting an attorney immediately, you can safeguard your rights to compensation, and get a clear picture of the type and amount of compensation to which you might be entitled through a wrongful death lawsuit.