Can a wrongful death claim be filed if there was also a criminal case?

Can a wrongful death claim be filed if there was also a criminal case?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is entirely independent of any criminal prosecution. The standard of proof in a civil case (preponderance of the evidence — more likely than not) is lower than in a criminal case (beyond a reasonable doubt). Families may pursue civil recovery even if criminal charges were not filed, were dismissed, or resulted in acquittal. The O.J. Simpson civil verdict is the most famous example of this principle.