What is a Wrongful Death Suit?

What is a wrongful death suit? A wrongful death suit is a lawsuit filed by a family or loved ones of someone who has been killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another. When an individual is killed, there’s usually a criminal case to determine if and how the responsible party should be punished. However, the loved ones of the individual who was killed also have the right to bring a wrongful death suit on the civil side. The civil case is not dependent on the ruling of the criminal case. This is because there is a lower standard of proof. As a result, someone can be found guilty in a wrongful death suit even if they aren’t convicted of criminal charges.

As part of a wrongful death suit, the loved ones of the individual who was killed are able to get economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are getting compensation for the support, services, gifts, or inheritance. Also included are medical and funeral expenses. All damages include interest from the time of the decedent’s death. One example of economic damages would be when someone who is the primary or sole breadwinner for their family is killed. As a result, their family is compensated to make up for the lack of that person’s income. The non-economic damages can be for the loss of companionship, care, love of the individual who was killed. Of course, these intangible losses can never be regained with a financial settlement. But, a settlement can offset that suffering in other ways. For example, helping the loved ones seek counseling.

Are you dealing with wrongful death? You shouldn’t go through a case alone. Give us a call on 619-236-9696 at Simpson Law Group. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help you get the compensation that you deserve.