Because doctors treat many sick and dying patients, some patients die during their treatment. In most cases, the doctor treated the patient properly, but the patient was still not able to survive.
However, in some cases, the patient's death may be due to doctor negligence or recklessness. If this occurs, the patient's family may have cause to file a medical malpractice suit.
While damages cannot be awarded to someone after they have died, wrongful death statutes allow family members to recover some damages, which may include payments to cover the medical expenses and funeral costs.