Every state has a wrongful death statute that allows family members to potentially recover damages from a party who negligently or intentionally caused the death of a loved one. While there may be accompanying criminal charges files against a person who recklessly or intentionally acts so as to cause the death of another person, a wrongful death lawsuit is a purely civil action that permits financial recovery only. Among the types of expenses that the family of a deceased person might seek are medical expenses, funeral charges, and the loss of future support and/or income for the decedent's family. In some states, punitive damages may be available through a wrongful death action, as well, depending on the fact and circumstances surrounding the case. Ultimately, the amount of potential recovery pursuant to a wrongful death action depends on the family relationship of the decedent at the time of his or her death, his or her earnings and future earnings potential, and the age and health of the decedent at the time of death.