When it comes to wrongful death claims, it is possible that the responsible party was not only acting negligently but also acting willfully. If this is true, the person might also be held criminally responsible for your loved one’s death.
However, a criminal case is much different from a civil case. A civil case is designed to help individuals negotiate claims against each other when wronged on an individual level. Criminal cases are designed to allow the state to bring a criminal charge against an individual who has wronged both another person and the state at large.
Prosecutors pursue justice in the criminal justice system. Individuals pursue justice through civil cases. If you believe that the person responsible for your loved one’s death acted criminally, you cannot do much else except act as a witness if called. Your job is to focus on pursuing your civil justice with help from your lawyer.