When the death of a person is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another, and the act, neglect, or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then, and in every such case, the person who or the corporation which would have been liable, if death had not ensued, shall be liable in an action for damages notwithstanding the death of the party injured.
Source: G.L. § 878. G.S. § 1031. R.S. 08: § 2057. C.L. § 6303. CSA: C. 50, § 2. CRS 53: § 41-1-2. C.R.S. 1963: § 41-1-2.