National Reach, Personal Attention
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another person or entity. These claims are civil actions, separate from any criminal charges, and are brought by the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased.
Damages in wrongful death cases may include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, loss of the deceased's expected income, loss of companionship and guidance, and in some cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct.
Wrongful death laws vary significantly by state, including who can file a claim, what damages are available, and the statute of limitations.