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

In June, Suzanne Scheller, the attorney for Lynch's family, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Presbyterian Homes, which owns Harbor Crossing. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

The family of a Westchester grandmother who died after falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the utility responsible for the manhole, alleging its workers failed to properly seal the cover. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Levin is a founding member of two law firms that handle injury litigation, medical malpractice claims, wrongful death cases, and mass tort matters. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Over the past two years, the Police Department has spent over $9 million on wrongful death lawsuits, which is the largest settlement payout category. — Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wrongful death

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• heth
• lethe
• meth
• neath
• seth
• sheth
• sneath

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