If your loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. It’s similar to personal injury cases in many ways – the difference is with a wrongful death claim, not only did the negligent action cause injuries but also led to death.
This guide discusses actions that can result in wrongful death.
Car accidents
A negligent driver, possibly drunk, distracted, drowsy or reckless can cause an accident, which may injure the vital organs of the other driver, passengers and/or pedestrians, leading to death. One may die on the spot or while receiving treatment.
Medical malpractice
Medical mistakes, such as misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, wrong prescription, birth injuries, unnecessary surgeries, not paying attention to a patient’s medical history, premature discharge and surgical errors can lead to death. Medical malpractice causes pain to families who trusted physicians and hospitals.
Defective products
Defective products can cause serious accidents to consumers that can lead to death. Examples of products whose defects are dangerous include automobiles and their parts, drugs, medical devices, electrical devices, food items, kids’ products and work machines.
Work-related accidents
High-risk occupations like those in the construction, mining and healthcare industries, report many wrongful deaths. Employers in such industries should provide workers with quality personal protective equipment and safe machines to avoid accidents. Further, employees should have reasonable work hours and resting periods to eliminate the chances of exhaustion.
Exposure to hazardous substances, being hit by objects, falls, electrocution and getting into an accident due to exhaustion are work-related factors that can lead to death.
Wrongful death takes a loved one from their family and friends due to someone else’s negligence. If this is how you lost your loved one, get help tailored to your individual needs to fight for their rights.
