What is the goal of wrongful death statutes?

The goal of wrongful death statutes is to provide financial compensation to the estate of an individual who has died due to the wrongful act or negligence of another party. These statutes allow the estate or beneficiaries to seek damages for losses they have incurred as a result of the death, including lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. Essentially, wrongful death statutes aim to address the financial impacts of a tragic loss and hold the responsible party accountable.

Focusing on the other options, enhancing criminal penalties is not a primary goal of wrongful death statutes; rather, these statutes are civil in nature and do not determine criminal culpability. Restricting the rights of beneficiaries goes against the fundamental purpose of wrongful death statutes, which is to protect those left behind by providing them the means to seek justice and compensation. Finally, while the legal process may involve complex elements, the core intention is not to simplify claims but rather to ensure that those impacted by a wrongful death have a legal avenue to pursue compensation.