WRONGFUL DEATH AND MANSLAUGHTER
One Crime, Two Cases: Wrongful Death Claims and Manslaughter Charges
Manslaughter is a serious crime that can cause a great deal of damage. The crime of “manslaughter” can apply when an individual unintentionally or intentionally caused the death of another person.
Voluntary manslaughter is considered an intentional crime and is sometimes described as having an element of anger or rage. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant did not premeditate murder, but still caused the death of another person.
Some common examples of involuntary manslaughter may include:
Defective product cases
Drunk driving accidents
Reckless driving
Medical malpractice
Punishments for Manslaughter
Judges may look at several factors of each situation in order to determine a fair penalty. These factors might include whether the accused person has a prior criminal record and the brutality of the case. Ultimately, manslaughter penalties may vary from state to state and may depend on the nature of each crime.
Manslaughter Could Accompany a Wrongful Death Charge
It’s possible for a single incident to lead to a wrongful death claim in civil court and a manslaughter trial in criminal court. A medical negligence incident or a drunk driving accident for example, could yield two separate cases. In a civil suit, the injured party (or relatives of the deceased victim) might seek financial damages for their losses. In a criminal case, the accused individual might receive a punishment of incarceration (among other penalties) if convicted.
If your loved one was killed by another individual, your family might be eligible for compensation. A Miami FL wrongful death attorney may help your family recover from this tragic loss.
Wrongful Death Claims: Types of Damages
Your family might receive two different types of damages in a wrongful death settlement. The first type of compensation is called compensatory damages. These damages cover tangible expenses such as funeral expenses and medical expenses.
Punitive damages are the second set of damages that a judge may impose. These damages may be awarded as a way of punishing the offender and legitimizing the pain and suffering caused by the incident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If your family has been affected by this horrific crime, contact a trusted personal injury attorney today to schedule a free consultation. Many respectable law firms offer no-obligation case evaluations to prospective clients where they may discuss the details of the case and determine possible actions. For more information about wrongful death claims, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer Washington DC trusts today.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Cohen & Cohen, P.C. for their insight into civil implications of criminal charges.