What happens if the at-fault party faces criminal charges for the death?

Criminal charges and civil wrongful death claims are separate legal processes. The state handles the criminal case to punish the offender, while the civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the survivors. A wrongful death claim can proceed even if the defendant is acquitted in criminal court, because civil cases require a lower burden of proof. The Altman Law Firm monitors any ongoing criminal proceedings closely, as evidence presented there can often be used to strengthen your civil claim.