“Wrongful Death” is the term used to describe the death of a person through a negligent act by another person. It is different from terms you may have heard that are used in criminal law such as murder or manslaughter. “Wrongful Death” does not involve criminal law–it is a term used in “civil law”–though a person responsible for a wrongful death may also, but not necessarily, be criminally responsible. A negligent person — a person who causes the death of another through a careless or reckless act, may be responsible to pay money damages to the relatives or family of that deceased individual whether or not that person may also be criminally responsible.
For information particular to New York, please see our wrongful death law page.
Posted by New York Injury Lawyer Steve Orlow