There are many scenarios where wrongful death lawsuits come into play for families each year. The immediate relatives of the victim, or in some instances another party, can sue for damages as a result of negligence causing death. These are the most common causes of wrongful deaths in the US each year.
Auto Accident
By far, the most common cause of wrongful death in an auto accident. Although many other types of accidents can cause, unlawful death vehicle-related cases are the highest recorded. According to the National highway traffic safety administration, approximately 40,000 people die annually due to automobile accidents. Many of these cases include a wrongful death lawsuit.
Most wrongful death includes reckless driving or some type of DUI instance. Family members can sue any of the following for wrongful death if they were involved with or had a part in the cause of death.
- Motorists
- Road workers
- Big truck drivers
- Automobile manufacturers
Depending on the evidence and cause of the accident, some family members can collect some compensation to help them cover costs and expenses, and more.
Malpractice
There are many reasons why someone could die as a result of malpractice. Doctors and medical care providers offering certain services may be negligent in some respect. In some cases of malpractice or negligence, a family member can sue the medical care provider for wrongful death.
Some common types of wrongful death cases can include anesthesia errors, medication mix-ups, medical equipment issues, and surgical problems. There are also a few others scenarios to consider, including care at nursing homes and birth complications and injures. If the wrongful death suit is successful, the family member can collect compensation for various losses.
Those working in the medical field can frequently provide erroneous treatments or make errors when providing treatment and services. If the evidence indicates there’s been an error or bad judgment on the provider’s part, there is usually cause to create a lawsuit against the provider.
Crimes Resulting in Death
If a criminal commits a crime and another person dies; as a result, the surviving family can sue the criminal for wrongful death. For example, if the victim was shot or fatally wounded during the crime, there’s a good chance the criminal is held accountable financially.
There are also many other considerations in these types of cases. The surviving family can sue for compensation related to any of the following: mental anguish, loss of inheritance, hospital bills, earnings, damages, loss of companionship.
When this type of case is in the works, the attorney will usually handle the whole process and walk the client through everything to help get the best outcome. Anyone involved with or planning to go through with a wrongful death lawsuit resulting from a crime should get an attorney who specializes in these cases.
Products
There are instances where products can cause the death of an individual. If there’s negligence or other factors outlining the manufacturer’s negligence, the surviving family members may be able to sue for compensation related to the loss of their loved one. Whether it’s a large manufacturer or a specialized piece of equipment, wrongful death can occur, and compensation can help cover various expenses and future needs.
Some notable product failures can include elevators, escalators, heavy equipment, and healthcare products. The success of these cases depends on whether attorneys can prove the death was a direct result of the product failing to provide its intended use or a malfunction or defect in quality.
Commercial Trucks
There are many wrongful death lawsuits across the country related to commercial trucks. Many times truck drivers fall asleep or are under the influence of some substance, be it either illegal or prescription. If any of these instances occur while they are driving and someone is killed, the surviving family has the right to issue a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have a successful case against a commercial truck driver, many factors must be considered, including driving logs, regulations, details regarding the load, and more.
Workplace
Accidents at the workplace can be a major contributing factor to a person’s untimely death. Construction jobs and other specialty skills require the use of the equipment and close adhesion to protocols. However, if the situation involves negligence on the part of other workers or the company as a whole, there’s a chance a wrongful death lawsuit would be appropriate. Some things notable for causing wrongful deaths can include fires, chemicals, and equipment left in improper locations.
Considerations
Wrongful death lawsuits are very complex and require the services of an attorney or law firm specializing in these types of cases. Anyone considering this type of lawsuit needs to enlist the services of a highly knowledgeable attorney with multiple cases to their credit. Before using this type of attorney, be sure to get details regarding their past case history, research client reviews, and ensure they are properly licensed to represent family members and wrongful death lawsuit cases.
The goal is to get a successful wrongful death legal claim so that surviving family members can cover various expenses related to the victim and provide assistance for their future. Anyone who is considering hiring an attorney should also have a consultation with them to find out if and how they can help them win their claim or if the attorney thinks they have a solid case. Having these details is the best way to make a decision regarding how to proceed with the claim.