The primary difference between a wrongful death case and a criminal case is in the consequences for the at-fault party. While a criminal case is meant to punish the perpetrator, a wrongful death case is meant to compensate the deceased’s family for the defendant’s actions.
If convicted of a crime, the defendant may face jail time. If found responsible for the victim’s wrongful death, the defendant (or their insurance company) will have to pay damages to the victim’s family.