The Braun Levi Case: Lessons from a $200 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The loss of a loved one is an unbearable tragedy. When that loss is caused by the reckless and criminal actions of a drunk driver, the grief is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. In May 2025, this tragic reality struck a Manhattan Beach family when 18-year-old Braun Levi, a promising student and talented high school tennis player, was killed. He was simply walking along Sepulveda Boulevard when he was run over by a suspected drunk driver.

The subsequent news that the driver was a repeat DUI offender, allegedly driving on a suspended license with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, sent shockwaves through the community. In response, Braun Levi’s family took a powerful step toward accountability by filing a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit. This case, while heartbreaking, offers critical lessons for other families who find themselves navigating the horrific aftermath of a DUI-related fatality.

Understanding the Purpose of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

When a loved one is killed by a drunk driver, the criminal justice system will prosecute the driver for crimes like vehicular manslaughter or murder. While a criminal conviction can provide a sense of justice, it does nothing to address the immense financial and emotional burdens that fall on the victim’s family. This is where a civil wrongful death lawsuit comes in.

A wrongful death claim is a separate legal action filed in civil court by the victim’s surviving family members. Its purposes are threefold:

1. Accountability: To hold the negligent driver, and potentially other responsible parties, directly accountable for the harm they caused the family.
2. Financial Support: To provide financial compensation for the economic and non-economic losses the family has suffered. This can include lost income, medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of the loved one’s care and companionship.
3. Deterrence: To send a message that such reckless behavior has severe financial consequences, hopefully deterring future drunk driving. The $200 million figure in the Levi case is a clear statement of this intent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: The Legal Implications of a DUI Fatality

It is vital to understand that a criminal case and a civil wrongful death case are two separate proceedings with different goals and standards of proof.

• Criminal Case: This is brought by the state (the District Attorney) against the driver. The goal is to punish the driver for breaking the law, with penalties including prison time, fines, and license revocation. The standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Civil Case: This is brought by the victim’s family against the driver. The goal is to secure financial compensation for the family’s losses. The standard of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” which means it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.

A person can be found liable in a civil case even if they are acquitted in their criminal case. More importantly, a civil lawsuit allows for the pursuit of punitive damages.

The Role of Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence, like that of a repeat DUI offender causing a fatal crash, California law allows for the awarding of punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages (which cover losses), punitive damages are designed solely to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct and to deter them and others from similar behavior.

The facts in the Braun Levi case—a repeat offender with a prior DUI-related injury collision, driving on a suspended license, and being heavily intoxicated—are exactly the kind of circumstances that warrant a significant punitive damages award. This is a key reason why the lawsuit seeks such a substantial amount.

How Families Can Seek Justice After a Fatal DUI Crash

If your family has suffered this unimaginable loss, know that you have legal options. Taking the first steps can feel overwhelming, but the process is designed to protect your rights.

1. Preserve All Evidence: Keep records of everything related to the accident and your loved one’s passing. This includes police reports, contact information for witnesses, and receipts for all funeral and burial expenses. Do not speak to the driver’s insurance company without legal representation.
2. Consult with a Wrongful Death Attorney: The single most important step is to contact an experienced personal injury law firm that specializes in wrongful death and DUI-related cases. The consultation is free and confidential. An attorney can explain your rights and immediately begin protecting your interests.
3. Act Within the Time Limits: California has a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, generally two years from the date of death. It is crucial to act quickly to ensure you do not lose your right to file a claim.

How Walch Law Fights for Grieving Families

Navigating the legal system while grieving is a burden no family should have to bear alone. At Walch Law, we provide compassionate and determined legal representation to ensure that justice is served. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

When you trust us with your case, we will:

• Provide a Free and Confidential Consultation: We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide a clear, honest assessment of your legal options.
• Conduct an Immediate and Thorough Investigation: We move quickly to gather all evidence, including police reports, toxicology results, the driver’s history, and witness statements, to build an airtight case.
• Hire Leading Experts: We work with accident reconstructionists and economic experts to demonstrate exactly how the crash happened and to calculate the full financial impact of your loss.
• Handle All Communications: We take over all interactions with insurance companies, shielding you from their attempts to minimize or deny your claim.
• Fight for Maximum Compensation: We are skilled negotiators and tenacious trial attorneys. We will fight for a settlement that honors your loved one and secures your family’s financial future. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are always prepared to take the case before a jury.

Contact Walch Law Today for a Free Consultation– Wrongful Death Law Firm

The tragic death of Braun Levi is a devastating reminder of the toll that drunk driving takes on our community. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide a sense of accountability and the financial resources needed to move forward. You do not have to go through this alone.

Contact the compassionate attorneys at Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you and your family fight for the justice you deserve.

Also, Live Like Braun