The unexpected death of a loved one can motivate victims’ families to seek justice. Proving wrongful death requires time and a thorough investigation into the circumstances.
For one California family, the long-awaited moment came for them when a federal jury awarded $85 million concluding a wrongful death suit. The family alleged their loved one unnecessarily suffered excessive treatment which ultimately resulted in his death.
Mental health crisis
Several years ago, a man contacted authorities claiming he was the victim of an attack. Family members would later disclose that the man suffered from mental illness and was experiencing a crisis at the time of the 911 phone call. Responding authorities ended up in an altercation with the man which resulted in the use of force to restrain him and arrest him.
After receiving treatment at a local hospital for his injuries, the man succumbed a few days afterward. The lawsuit filed on behalf of the man’s family alleged that unnecessary force only worsened the situation, caused their family member to fear and ultimately resulted in his untimely and preventable death. In a recent conclusion to the lawsuit, a federal jury sided with the man’s family and awarded monetary damages for outcomes including suffering and the loss of companionship.
Establishing a case
Wrongful death lawsuits are not easy to prove. In many cases, the fact that a death occurred is easily established. Proving how the death happened and who should take responsibility is the more challenging part. Overwhelming evidence may point in one direction, but the courts still have to conclude that someone’s negligence ultimately caused death.
People seeking to file a wrongful death lawsuit would benefit from hiring an attorney. A legal professional can aid in organizing factual evidence and establishing a case. Families can rely on their attorney to advocate for their rights and the rights of their deceased loved one who prematurely suffered death because of negligence.
