A California man who was working as a police informant was recently shot and killed by police. His family, including his parents and his children, has filed a wrongful death claim against the city. This is just a single step in the family's quest to seek justice on the behalf of their loved one.

According to reports, the police were attempting to apprehend a suspect just before the man's untimely death. The informant was apparently in the process of assisting them when the suspect opened fire. The suspect allegedly shot a police officer, causing the police to return fire. The informant was caught in the crossfire, according to authorities. Both the informant and the suspect were killed during the exchange of bullets.

It has been claimed, however, that the police knew that the informant was working with them. In addition, it is also alleged that the police were aware that the informant was in the car with the suspect and thus in a precarious position, should the situation become dangerous. The suit lists not only the city but also several of the police officers by name as defendants.

Obviously the deceased's five young children and the rest of his family are left with enormous grief at his passing. No amount of financial compensation can bring him back or fully erase the pain they are experiencing. Under California law, however, a wrongful death claim may grant them some financial relief to cover funeral costs and other final expenses brought about by his tragic passing. Normally consideration is made for pain and suffering, loss of companionship and loss of future wages as well, especially given the fact that his young children will not have a father to provide for them.

Source: bakersfieldcalifornian.com, Legal claim filed in police shooting of informant, Steven Mayer, Dec. 17, 2013