Krouse v. Graham
Supreme Court of California · 1977
19 Cal.3d 59, pp. 67–72
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalWhat brought the case to court?
A family sought damages after a car crash killed a wife and mother. The court reviewed what the jury had been told to include in damages.
The question before the court
Which losses could the jury consider in the wrongful-death part of the case?
What the court decided
Loss of companionship could be considered. Grief and mental distress could not simply be included as wrongful-death damages. The court found errors that required further proceedings.
Where the rule has limits
The case also discussed a separate emotional-harm claim. The rules for that claim need their own review.
Read the actual decision
Krouse v. Graham — full opinion ↗
Legal review is recorded above.
Questions this decision helps explain
Court decisions have distinct facts. Read the opinion and the qualifications in each guide before applying a rule to a different situation.