When a person dies as the result of a wrongful or negligent act caused by another person, this is defined as wrongful death.
A victim’s family can file suit in hopes of recovering compensation for things such as funeral expenses or the loss of their loved one’s future earnings.
What types of situations lead to such a lawsuit?
Car Accidents
This is the most common cause of wrongful death as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly 40,000 Americans die in motor vehicle accidents every year.
Medical Malpractice
In most cases, doctors, nurses, and other members of a medical team perform their job duties well. But if they don’t follow proper procedures, it can lead to a patient’s death. Examples include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can happen in just about any line of work, but some of the more common sites are mines, manufacturing plants, and construction zones. Employers must meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If they don’t, and an employee dies due to a disregard for safety, a wrongful death suit can be filed.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by reckless driving or a limited field of vision, and children and the elderly have an increased risk for being killed in this type of accident.
Defective Products
Manufacturers are held responsible if products they produce are found to be defective. Examples of defective products that have caused wrongful death are children’s toys and pharmaceuticals.
If you believe your loved one suffered a wrongful death, please contact us to see how we can help.