What is the difference between a wrongful death lawsuit and a negligence lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit and a negligence lawsuit are two different legal options available to families who have lost a loved one due to negligence or malpractice. However, the two are not the same. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought against a party who is believed to be responsible for the death of an individual. It is a civil action compensating the family of the deceased for losses caused by the incident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The family members can sue for compensation for their suffering. A negligence lawsuit, on the other hand, is a legal action against another individual or party who either acted intentionally or was careless in an action that resulted in a person’s death. A negligence lawsuit seeks to hold the party responsible for the death accountable by proving they acted negligently. The family of the victim may receive monetary compensation if the case is successful. In Virginia, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death, whereas a negligence lawsuit has a statute of limitations of five years. The outcome of a negligence lawsuit will depend on the laws in Virginia, while a wrongful death lawsuit will seek to determine who was responsible for the death and what damages the family is due based on that.

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What is the difference between a wrongful death lawsuit and a negligence lawsuit?

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