Wrongful death/civil suit

[ichirp]

What is the name of your state?

Texas

I have a friend who lives in Texas. He son was killed in Kansas. The person responsible for her sons death was arrested, charged, went to trial. He did not want a jury trial so a judge heard the case and found him to be responsible for the death, the judge sentenced this person to 34 months probation (no jail time given, he was out on bond the entire time) ; he is not to enter any bar (no drinking, etc.), he is to pay restitution to the family at 10% of each pay check, (it has been 9-10 months the family has not seen a penny). He does not have to report to anyone on this probation as the judge stated "informal probation, I will take you at your word that you will follow my instructions", (trusting judge huh?) he travels all over the U.S. in his line of work, there is no one to keep track of this man to see if he is going into any bars, etc.

My friend attempted to file a civil suit for wrongful death, however the Kansas judge said she cannot do so because she lives in Texas and the death took place in Kansas. Is this correct? Is there anything she can do?

Thank you.