What does loss of consortium refer to?

Loss of consortium specifically refers to the rights of a spouse to enjoy companionship, affection, and intimacy with their partner. This legal term is often invoked in personal injury cases where one spouse suffers injury or harm, affecting their relationship with the other. The concept emphasizes the emotional and relational dimensions of marriage, asserting that one partner’s injury can deeply impact the other’s quality of life, beyond just financial considerations.

In the context of legal claims, the non-injured spouse may seek damages for the loss of these marital benefits, making the correct answer particularly focused on the intangible aspects of a marital relationship rather than material or financial losses. Other options address financial, property, or employment issues, which, while significant in their own contexts, do not encapsulate the emotional and relational aspects that loss of consortium specifically targets.