A wrongful death accident happens when some sort of negligence or carelessness leads to the death of a person. This sort of circumstance is termed a "wrongful" death, as opposed to a "natural" death, in which death occurs from completely natural causes. Each state has its own set of laws and procedures in terms of the persons eligible to file, the circumstances which qualify to file, and the time limits in which to file. Therefore, determining whether you have an eligible wrongful death claim depends greatly on your state's laws with respect to wrongful death, so contacting an attorney in order to evaluate your claim is essential in most cases. Plus, if you have been involved in a circumstance that led to another person's death, you should also consult an attorney about your rights, responsibilities, and potential liability if you are subject to a wrongful death claim in the future.