When negligence or an intentional act causes someone’s death, “wrongful death” laws provide a civil remedy for survivors and representatives of the decedent. Every state has passed some version of a wrongful death statute, and these laws spell out what exactly qualifies as a “wrongful death,” who has a legal right to file a wrongful death suit, and what forms of compensation are available in this kind of action.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Settlements: An Overview
Learn about wrongful death claims: what they are, who can sue, what damages are recoverable, and more
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Learn who may have the legal right to bring this kind of legal action in your state's civil court system.
Proving a Wrongful Death Civil Case
How do you establish the defendant's legal liability in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Damages
What types of compensation could be available to surviving family members in a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful Death Lawsuits When a Pedestrian Is Killed in a Car Accident
When the pedestrian's surviving family members might be able to take legal action over their losses.