Legal Glossary - W
Wrongful Death Action - Brought only by the personal representative of a decedent's estate, a wrongful death action occurs when an individual is killed due to the negligence of another individual, company, or entity. Wrongful death actions are brought about in accordance with the statutes of the state in which the suit is being filed. Actions for personal injury, conscious pain and suffering, or expenses incurred prior to the decedent's death can all be part of the wrongful death suit. The damage awards from these actions will be added to the estate and may pass to different parties as directed by the decedent's Last Will and Testament.
Last modified: December 12 2007.
