No parent expects to have to experience the death of a child. Most figure that their children will long out live them. Due in part to the expectation, no one is prepared for such an outcome. An already difficult situation is made that much more devastating when the death is the result of negligent behavior of another.

For the family of a 19-year-old man who was killed by a drunk driver while riding his bicycle in 2011, this is all too real. The man's son was riding his bicycle in a Western Pennsylvania community when the car accident occurred. In the midst of the collision the teen ended up under the SUV and was reportedly dragged 100 feet by the vehicle. Though he survived the initial impact, despite being taken to an area hospital for treatment, the young man's injuries were too serious and died.

The 53-year-old driver of the SUV was determined to have been intoxicated at the time of the crash. Accordingly he faced criminal consequences in the form of six months of probation. This past week a civil case arose as well. The father of the cyclist filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the intoxicated driver on his behalf as well as that of the deceased's brothers and mother.

The lawsuit alleges that the SUV, which had a green light, drove forward into the intersection despite having its turn signal on indicating that it was turning right. The man indicates that his son would not have entered the intersection on his bicycle, into the path of the SUV, had the vehicle indicated it was going straight. Damages sought in the case exceed $50,000.

When a loved one has been lost in a manner such as this one, many feel powerless. For some, seeking monetary damages via a wrongful death lawsuit helps with that feeling.

Source: Tribune-Review, "Father of dead bicyclist sues drunken driver," Liz Zemba, Jan. 29, 2013