Wrongful death, by definition, is the passing of an individual due to the negligent acts of another person. As some of the most tragic cases that a lawyer will work on, it is unfortunate how frequently we deal with these kinds of cases. Of course, if you’ve lost someone to a wrongful death accident, you’re going to want to get in contact with an attorney as soon as possible to start putting your claim together against the liable party.
From car accidents to workplace incidents, there are various examples of wrongful death that claim the lives of those around each year. OF all the accidents, here are some of the most common ones that we see.
Fatal Auto Accidents
There are more than 300,000 car accident fatalities annually. After these wrongful death accidents, those close to the victim are often left not only with deep heartache but unseen medical bills, lost wages and funeral procedures. This is why it is helpful to have a wrongful death lawyer to help out following this kind of accident. While we may not think about how dangerous the roads can be, we can all be victims of such an accident. In fact, here are some of the most common causes of these fatal accidents — you may see some that you have been guilty of in the past:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Vehicle defects
- Construction
- Road defects and damage
Workplace Incidents
You’d never expect to be fatally injured while at work, but roughly 4,600 workers are killed in the workplace annually throughout the nation. Here are some of the most common examples of workplace wrongful death claims:
- Manufacturing accidents
- Railroad worker injuries
- Towboat accidents
- Asbestos and mesothelioma incidents
- Slips
- Falls
- Construction equipment accidents
Compensation is usually given to the victim’s family through their state’s workers’ compensation system, but there are some instances in which a family can sue the company for negligence.
Medical Malpractice
You put your well-being in the hands of healthcare professionals, and for the most part, they are exceptional at what they do. However, accidents can happen at any time, and when these accidents happen in a medical setting, fatalities are almost guaranteed. Here are some common examples of medical malpractice errors that can lead to wrongful death:
- Improper diagnosis
- Lack of informed consent
- Defective medical devices
- Surgical errors
- Pharmaceutical errors
- Birth injury
- Delayed and Improper treatment
Defective Products
Manufacturers work hard to ensure that their products are safe for the general public. From foods to vehicles, everything that goes out to the public is inspected for safety, but sometimes defective products can make their way into the hands of unsuspecting victims. Here are some examples of product defects that have lead to wrongful death:
- Dangerous childcare products and toys
- Pharmaceuticals
- Defective vehicles
- Toxic Foods
- Toxic household items (containers, bottles, etc.)
These are some of the most common wrongful death cases that a lawyer might see. If you know someone who has passed due to the negligence of another individual, company or manufacturer, contact a wrongful death lawyer here at Robert J. DeBry and Associates to help you with your case.