The case of a fatal car accident in July has recently reached a conclusion that resulted in the conviction and sentencing of a Green Bay man. The incident occurred on Main Street in Green Bay. An 18-year-old man caused a car accident that resulted in the wrongful death of a 52-year-old man. Rather than stop and render aid, the 18-year-old driver fled the scene. His brother drove him to Milwaukee, and he then traveled to Mexico.

The man later returned to the area, and police arrested him after discovering him hiding in a Howard area home. He was convicted for the hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of an innocent man. His punishment includes a sentence of three and a half years imprisonment followed by an additional three and half years of extended supervision. In addition, he was ordered to pay restitution for the costs of the victim’s funeral. The family of the deceased may also choose to file a wrongful death suit against him.

While the court case against the man has resulted in a criminal conviction along with a prison sentence and a court order to pay for funeral costs for his victim, the family may be able to pursue a wrongful death suit against him for further damages under personal injury laws. The unnecessary loss of a loved one can be tragic and can affect the family in countless ways for the rest of their lives, but a civil suit may provide the family with both healing and financial compensation after their loss.

In addition to their pain and suffering, the loss of a family member has a number of financial effects, including the loss of future income caused by such a traumatic event. Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, but this family may be able to seek further justice and find closure for their loss by pursuing a civil case against the guilty party.

Source: Fox 11, “Ruiz sentenced for fatal hit-and-run crash,” Jan. 11, 2013