What does the wrongful death act enable family members to do?

The Wrongful Death Act specifically allows family members of a deceased person to file a lawsuit against the party whose negligence or wrongful act caused the death. This legal framework is designed to seek compensation for the damages suffered due to the loss of their loved one. The law recognizes that family members can experience not only emotional distress but also financial hardships stemming from the death, such as lost income and funeral expenses.

This act empowers family members to hold the responsible party accountable in a civil court, where they can argue that the negligence led directly to the person's untimely death. Successful claims can result in financial awards to cover economic and non-economic damages, aiding families in coping with their loss.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose or function of the Wrongful Death Act, as they pertain to different legal circumstances or outcomes that are not the focus of this act.