Legal Dictionary: Wrongful Death -- Plaintiff

A "wrongful death" occurs when a person is killed because of the negligence or misconduct of another individual, company or entity. A lawsuit for wrongful death is brought on behalf of the decedent's immediate family members -- usually surviving spouses and children, and sometimes parents -- by the personal representative of the decedent's estate. Every state has a statute that establishes the procedures for bringing wrongful death actions.

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See also:

• Wrongful Death
• Accidents & Injuries