A wrongful death complaint ensues when a person is injured, and ultimately dies, as a result of another's carelessness, or negligence. Each state has particular rules and procedures that must be followed in order to file a viable wrongful death claim in court, so it is always wise to consult an attorney about your potential claim, rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own. In additional to financial compensation for the victim's family through a wrongful death lawsuit, a person responsible for the death of another may also face criminal charges, depending on the circumstances of the case. Criminal charges arising out of the death of another person can be quite serious, and may include charges of manslaughter, negligent or reckless homicide, or even murder in some cases. The civil wrongful death claim and criminal charges that may result when a person's negligent actions led to another's death are completely independent of one another, and can even have totally different outcomes.