A wrongful death claim is brought in the name of the personal representative of the deceased person and is brought for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse (if the decedent was married) and next of kin of the deceased person. “Next of kin” means persons nearest in degree of blood relationship surviving the decedent. A surviving spouse is a beneficiary under the Wrongful Death Act. If the decedent doesn’t leave a surviving spouse, the next of kin are the beneficiaries. The decedent’s children are next of kin and beneficiaries. If the decedent does not have children, the decedent’s parents, brothers, and sisters are beneficiaries under the Act. Whether a decedent left a surviving spouse, surviving children or parents and siblings impacts the manner in which the claim proceeds. The nature of the relationship that the decedent enjoyed with his family is also critically important.