Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Criminal Trials

If you believe your loved one was killed by carelessness that could have been avoided, then knowing that the party that caused the negligent death was not criminally convicted can be even more distressing. Even if the party in question of causing the death of your loved one was not convicted of a criminal offense, you still have the right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. There are many personal injury attorneys who have experience dealing with an assortment of different wrongful death lawsuits, and will help you exercise any and all rights you may have in court to seek the rightful compensation you deserve for the death of your loved one.

Wrongful death lawsuits are civil cases, so it is important to note that they can only find a person liable for their negligence, but cannot prove the guilt of the defendant. Proving guilt and filing criminal charges against a defendant can only be done in the criminal trial. The burden of proof in all civil cases must show the liability of the defendant by a “preponderance of evidence.” This means that the jury does not have to come to a unanimous decision, and the verdict of liability is decided by the majority vote of the jury. In criminal cases, the burden of proof must be shown “without a reasonable doubt”, which means that the jury has to come to a unanimous decision regarding the guilt of the defendant. Thus, filing a civil suit for wrongful death may prove to be an easier way for the grieving family members of the decedent to obtain closure and rightful compensation from the party that caused the death of a loved one.

Wrongful death lawsuits often times follow criminal trials of parties, but it is not necessary for a criminal trial of the defendant to occur before the filing of the wrongful death lawsuit. If the verdict of the criminal trial of the defendant declares them guilty, then a wrongful death lawsuit will more likely be successful. Even if there is no criminal trial at all, or the criminal trial does not criminally charge the defendant, there is still a chance for compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Do not be discouraged by the verdict of the criminal trial, because you may still find some form of meaningful compensation and justice in filing a wrongful death suit. There are many skilled teams of attorneys who will help answer any questions you may have regarding the process of wrongful death trials, and will help you create a legal strategy against the defendant that caused suffering and loss due to mere carelessness.

Contact A Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Nobody who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to negligence should have to fight alone. A caring wrongful death lawyer Woodland Hills residents trust can help you get the justice that is deserved. Those who cause deaths due to mere carelessness should be held responsible for their actions, and the family members suffering from this life changing experience should receive just compensation for their loss.

If your loved one was the victim of a wrongful death, please contact your local wrongful death attorneys for a consultation. They should be dedicated to assisting the families of the victims of wrongful death, and more importantly, should send their condolences to anyone who has gone through this difficult and traumatic experience.

Thank you to our contributors at the law offices of Barry P. Goldberg for the above information.