Wrongful death claims allege, as their basis, that the deceased was killed as a result of the negligence or liability of another. The deceased's surviving relatives, dependents, or beneficiaries, bring suit against those claimed to have been liable seeking monetary damages to compensate for the improper conduct. Each state has its own statute covering the viability of claims for wrongful death, and not each state follows the same guidelines, principles, or rules. Some states have "true" wrongful death acts in which the next of kin are entitled to bring a cause of action in their own names, as a result of damages sustained following the decedent's death.