Criminal proceedings are independent of any civil claim for damages brought by surviving family members. For example, if your loved one was murdered, the state or local district attorneys office will likely pursue criminal charges against the offender.
Criminal charges are intended to punish especially egregious wrongful behavior in hopes to deter similar behavior in the future. A civil claim for damages, on the other hand, is intended to provide families with compensation to address the financial impacts associated with their loss.
The outcome of any criminal proceeding will not necessarily affect the need for, or right of, family members to file a civil claim for damages. Working with a trusted Tampa wrongful death attorney can ensure that families do not suffer financially because of anothers criminal or negligent conduct. When the loss of life could have been avoided, both the deceased and their surviving families deserve justice.