Legal Definitions - death-damage statute

A death-damage statute is an old term that refers to a wrongful-death statute. It is a law that allows the personal representative of a deceased person to file a lawsuit on behalf of certain beneficiaries who have suffered damages due to the death of the person.

For example, if a person dies due to the negligence of another person, the personal representative of the deceased person can file a wrongful-death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased person's spouse, children, or other dependents. The lawsuit can seek compensation for damages such as lost income, medical expenses, and funeral costs.

The death-damage statute is an important legal tool that helps to ensure that the families of deceased persons are not left without financial support after the death of a loved one.