Loss of consortium is a legal concept that addresses the emotional and relational harm suffered when an injury disrupts a marriage or family relationship. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these are non-economic damages — capturing the loss of love, companionship, intimacy, and support. Some states allow spouses, children, or even parents to bring consortium claims, while others limit them more narrowly.

As a forensic psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how catastrophic injuries affect not just individuals but entire family systems. Emotional withdrawal, role changes, disrupted intimacy, and intergenerational impacts can reshape relationships in profound ways. By recognizing these harms, courts acknowledge that the damage from an injury extends beyond the body to the bonds that sustain us.