Settlements for wrongful death are obtained through civil court action.  A wrongful death is generally deemed a death caused by the willful or negligent acts of others.  A criminal court action is only concerned with punishment for a wrongful death.  When criminal negligence can or cannot be proved, an action can also be brought in civil court to recover lost money for an heir due to the loss of income generated by the person killed.  It is often very difficult to win a settlement of this typ...