wrongful death

noun

: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

Examples of wrongful death in a Sentence

She filed a wrongful death suit against the hospital, alleging that its negligence led to her daughter's death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Relatives in some of those cases filed wrongful death lawsuits. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024 That summer, the family sued St. Peter’s for Warwick’s wrongful death. J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024 The family of Adam Oakes, the VCU student who died in a fraternity hazing incident in 2021, has settled its wrongful death lawsuit against Delta Chi Fraternity and 11 former members for $4.2 million. Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024 In May 2023, Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and local businesses that served her alcohol the night of the incident. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wrongful death 

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongful death was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near wrongful death

Cite this Entry

“Wrongful death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful%20death. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

wrongful death

noun
: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another
sought damages for the wrongful death of their murdered daughter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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