Compensation for the grieving.
A wrongful death action may be brought by the family or affected parties of an individual who has died as a result of another’s negligence or intentional action. The burden of proof is the same as if the victim survived and filed a personal injury lawsuit.
Parties who are legally entitled to bring a wrongful death action vary from state to state, but in all states, a suit can be filed by the spouse of the deceased, or the parents of the deceased, if they died while legally a minor.
Damages that may be claimed include, but are not limited to, medical and end of life costs, loss of insurance payout, pain and suffering on the part of the deceased, loss of potential income and loss of companionship for the survivor(s).