What if the negligence caused someones death?
A. Cases which result in death are commonly referred to as “Wrongful Death” cases. The claim can still be pursued, but normally a special administrator must be appointed (frequently a family member) to pursue a claim on behalf of the estate and the family members known as wrongful death beneficiaries. The law of the state where the case is filed generally specifies the relationship that would entitle a person to make a claim for damages. The wrongful death beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation for any economic loss they suffered as a result of the death (which can be significant if the claimant is the spouse or minor child of a wage earner who dies) and may also be entitled to claim damages for the mental anguish suffered as a result of the death of a loved one.
