Who Can File Suit After a Wrongful Death Accident?

Personal injury lawsuits are normally filed by, or on behalf of, the person injured. A wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Usually that representative is named in the deceased person’s will, or appointed by a probate judge after their death. The personal representative represents all the beneficiaries to the estate, including the deceased person’s dependents. However, spouses and dependents may also have their own claims for damages as part of the wrongful death lawsuit.