Understanding the legal term of wrongful death is not always straightforward and the associated implications for the victim, their family and all relevant parties can be difficult to digest. Wrongful death is the passing of a person due to the negligence or willful harm of someone else.
Examples of Wrongful Death Scenarios
Recent examples of wrongful death cases include the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers and the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in early 2020. These deaths were preventable and although no one can bring the victims back to life, those responsible for the wrongful deaths were held accountable in the U.S. criminal court system.
Consequences of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases can have serious consequences for surviving family members. For instance, the loss of the person who died could mean a financial misstep for the family or even shock them into legal action. In some cases, the family may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, funeral costs and other losses stemming from the wrongful death.
Holding the Responsible Party Accountable
According to the law, the responsible party may be held liable for wrongful death. Depending on the severity of the case, a criminal charge or civil suit may be filed against the responsible party. It is important to note that in addition to criminal trials, civil action can also be pursued in many cases.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
For family and friends of the deceased, it can be difficult to process and move forward from an event of wrongful death. However, seeking justice and compensation for the death of a loved one is an important step for families wanting to heal and restore a sense of peace.
Wrapping Up
Wrongful death is the death of a person caused by the negligent or willful actions of another party. These cases may have serious consequences, both for victims’ families and for the responsible parties. Victims’ families can seek justice and compensation by pursuing civil suits or through other legal channels.