QUESTION:
What is wrongful death? My brother was murdered and no one responded to the 911 calls until 12 hours after.
ANSWER:
Wrongful death refers to death caused by the negligence or misconduct of another. CCP § 377.60 establishes a statutory cause of action in favor of specified heirs of a person who dies as a result of the “wrongful act or neglect” of another.
If the death was caused by a criminal act, the wrongful death claimants may also have limited statutory indemnification rights under the “Victims of Crime Act” (Gov.C. § 13959 et seq.).
To understand more about possible damages claims against persons who caused the death of a loved one, consult with a lawyer who is an expert in personal injury.