Wrongful death is a term used in the legal field to describe a situation in which a person’s negligence or wrongdoing causes the death of another individual. The family members of the deceased may bring a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, seeking compensation for their loss. This type of legal action is handled in civil court and is designed to hold the liable party accountable for their actions and provide financial relief to the surviving family members.

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought against a person held liable for the death of another caused by misconduct or negligence. The standard of proof is lower than in criminal cases, and a defendant can still be found liable even if they were not found guilty in a criminal court. The lawsuit seeks compensation for the loss of the deceased, including lost wages, funeral and medical expenses, and loss of companionship. In California, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death.