How to File a Wrongful Death Civil Lawsuit

If you or a loved one lost their life due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil suit for wrongful death. This type of lawsuit is often part of a larger lawsuit against a manufacturer or supplier of a product. The lawsuit can help with funeral expenses, and it can also help provide for dependents. If you or a loved one has lost a loved one due to an accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to review your case and discuss your legal options.

In wrongful death cases, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases. In criminal cases, the defendant must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to be found guilty. This means that a civil lawsuit can succeed even if a jury returned a not guilty verdict in the criminal trial.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits differ from state to state. In some states, you have only two years from the date of death to file a suit. If the defendant has engaged in fraudulent or deceptive practices, your two-year deadline may be extended. In some cases, the deadline is even shorter, if you have knowledge of the negligent act or action before the incident.

If you or a loved one has died due to the negligence of another party, you can file a wrongful death civil lawsuit. You can file this lawsuit through the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. If the case has a jury trial, the plaintiff will get the chance to present their case in court and seek monetary compensation. The value of the life of the deceased must be taken into consideration when determining how much compensation you can recover.