Wrongful Death Overview

A wrongful death claim may be brought when one person or entity is responsible for the death of another. The laws surrounding wrongful death claims can be complex, however. Provided here is a general guide to the legal issues surrounding wrongful death. History of Wrongful Death ActionsUnder English common law, family members of someone wrongfully killed had no right to sue the wrongdoer. Parliament changed this in 1846 by passing Lord Campbell's Act. Every state in the U.S. has since passed similar laws allowing family members to sue for damages. Read more