Successful wrongful death verdicts can result in a substantial amount of compensation for the surviving immediate family members of the victim. While the type and amounts of compensation are not only case-specific, but also dependent on the particular state's laws, which can vary quite a bit, some general expenses are standard in wrongful death suits, such as the decedent's medical bills and funeral expenses. Many wrongful death claims never go to trial, or ever reach a court at all. These cases result in a settlement that is negotiated at some point after the claim is initiated by the surviving family members of the victim. Other cases in which settlement cannot be reached, however, ultimately are filed as a formal lawsuit in court, and, if not settled prior to trial, result in a trial in order to reach a verdict. In the worst case scenario, a jury may find that the defendant was not responsible for the victim's wrongful death, in that he or she did not act negligently so as to cause the victim's death, or that his or her negligence was not the cause of the victim's death. A favorable wrongful death verdict, however, may bring the surviving family members a damages award, which amount totally depends on the circumstances.