What must be proven in a wrongful death case regarding the defendant's actions?

In a wrongful death case, it is crucial to establish that the defendant's actions were the proximate cause of the deceased's death. This means that the actions taken by the defendant were directly linked to the events that led to the death. The concept of proximate cause goes beyond simply demonstrating a correlation; it requires showing a direct and foreseeable connection between the defendant's conduct and the resulting harm. This establishes liability, as it shows that the death was not just a coincidental outcome but a direct result of the actions of the defendant.

Other factors, such as whether the actions were intentional or negligent, can play into the overall case, but they are not strictly required to prove proximate cause. Justifiable actions do not necessarily relate to the establishment of wrongful death; they might introduce questions of self-defense or necessity, which are secondary considerations. Thus, the key focus in a wrongful death case is the direct causation between the defendant's actions and the resulting death.