The death of a Hartford toddler has led to the arrest of the mother’s boyfriend. According to reports, the toddler was brought into St. Francis Hospital by her mother. Shortly thereafter, the 13 month-old went into cardiac arrest and died. Neighbors interviewed by the media were stunned by the death of such a young member of their community.
“Suspicious factors” led police to investigate the child’s home and the mother’s boyfriend. On Friday, Sept. 13, the man was arrested on charges of assault and risk of injury to a minor. While the man’s criminal case will be closely followed, tragedies like this often lead to corollary civil suits known as wrongful death lawsuits.
Anytime someone dies, there is a possibility that the person at fault can be charged for a crime and at the same time sued for damages in a civil action. But, most unnatural deaths do not have a criminal component. A fatal accident or mishap may lead to deadly injuries without anyone intentionally causing another person harm. These incidents still may give rise to a wrongful death cause of action.
Car accidents are a common medium for such litigation but workplace conditions and medical malpractice are also possible causes of death. Those struck by a tragic accident to a loved one are encouraged to contact a local Hartford attorney specializing in this unique area of the law.
Wrongful death cases can arise out of a variety of factual scenarios but their goal is always the same. Through legal action, the hope is to compensate the victims monetarily for what was lost. While money does not undo the emotional harm, it can provide sums to make up for lost earnings and pay other expenses so the family does not lose their financial security as well.
Source: News 8, “Mom’s bf arrested in Hartford toddler’s death,” Bob Wilson, Sept. 13, 2013
