It is a sad reality that there is such a thing as a wrongful death lawsuit. Most would obviously prefer that their loved one not die due as a result of another person’s actions. Because people are killed regularly at the hands of others however, it is fortunate that those left behind have legal recourse in the civil court in addition to any criminal charges that may be filed.

The widow of deceased Vietnam Veteran likely agrees. The Pennsylvania resident recently learned that a settlement had been approved in the wrongful death lawsuit she filed against the United States government after her husband died while in the care of Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Highland Drive hospital.

According to the lawsuit, in August 2007, the woman’s 60-year-old husband was at the hospital receiving treatment for a heart condition. While there, he contracted methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. Also known as MRSA, it is a bacterial infection. Because of its resistance to antibiotics, it can be deadly.

Sadly, this was the case for the veteran. He died three months after contracting the infection.

A federal judge approved the settlement earlier this week. The settlement amount has not been made public.

While it is unlikely the woman will ever completely get over the untimely death of her husband, the wrongful death settlement may provide some relief. Hopefully the amount she receives will relieve any financial burden she may have been facing as a result of his illness and death and provide the necessary closure so that she can move forward with her life and try to find happiness.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “VA settles MRSA lawsuit with veteran’s widow,” March 14, 2012