A wrongful death case is a legal proceeding that can be filed when someone dies because of another person’s actions (or inactions). If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or carelessness of another person, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit against this party.
The purpose of filing a wrongful death suit is to seek compensation for survivors of a loved one killed due to someone else’s unlawful conduct. Depending on the relationship between the deceased and surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings, a wrongful death claim can be filed by one or more beneficiaries of the decedent’s estate.
Wrongful death claims are generally filed in civil court and can provide survivors with financial compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of the deceased person’s companionship and guidance. This includes mental and emotional suffering by those close to the deceased.
- The loss of income that the family was reliant on from the deceased.
- Financial support such as medical, education, and other bills left behind by the deceased person.