Wrongful Death. When someone was negligent and caused an untimely death, the family has the option to pursue civil action against them. Although it is not the priority for the family, many feel that there is little other option available. When families must scramble to cover funeral costs, and then live under the thumb of medical debt for years, a wrongful death case is likely a viable solution. With a claim for wrongful death, it will take place separately from any criminal trial, although the decision of either one could affect the other. This type of legal action is a way for families to try to recover financially from their loss and to help them move forward from the accident.