Wrongful Death:  The death of a person by the wrongful action of another.  Wrongful death can be the result of intentional or unintentional acts.  Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by remaining family members against the party that caused the wrongful death.  Compensation is awarded in wrongful death cases based upon the relationship of the petitioning family member to the deceased.  A child in a wrongful death case might be awarded compensation for what would have been expected in financial support over the course of their childhood as well as compensation for the emotional loss.