According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 90,000 deaths occur due to medical malpractice alone, not including the many other causes of wrongful death in the U.S. every year.
Deaths due to accidents or medical care happen in many different ways. You may feel overwhelmed and unfair if such a “wrongful death” case happens to your loved one.
It’s not just about the tragedy of losing a loved one—it’s also a legal claim that the surviving family can bring to hold the responsible party accountable.
Here’s a list of the most common causes of wrongful death and how a wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can sometimes cause wrongful death. This happens when the healthcare provider makes a mistake or fails to provide the proper treatment to their patients. It can be due to misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or medication errors.
Seek justice if you think medical malpractice happened to your loved ones. The liable parties should be held responsible for this wrongful death. This can also be a warning so that this type of tragedy will not happen again.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle mishaps also cause numerous wrongful deaths annually, aside from medical errors. Drivers have the responsibility to uphold safety when on the road. But distractions, speeding, and DUI can contribute to tragedies.
Staying awake and thinking about fellow road users can affect lives beyond your own. Spread the word for safe driving in your circle, creating care and responsibility. Every precaution you take can save a life and create bonds for strength.
According to car accident lawyer Stephen B. Goethel, survivors are entitled to be compensated for medical bills and funeral expenses, the loss of the person’s projected income, the loss of their household services, and damages for loss of consortium, companionship, advice and support.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents occur in every industry, and they result in serious injuries or even death. Inspections rarely reveal a hazardous workplace. If the equipment should fail, then the hazards are set in industries like construction, health, and offices. Cultivate that safety culture to empower you and your coworkers to report occurrences of hazards.
When everyone helps each other, they create an environment that supports their well-being. And remember that there is a need to know the safety protocol. As a team, take action and strive for a safe workplace to avoid tragedies.
Product Liability
Safety matters because product liability issues involve injuries or death caused by defective products. Manufacturing shortcuts can jeopardize even the simplest of items in your daily life. Although a defective design or its incapacity to perform is a tragedy, deaths are always caused by its failures, affecting either your relatives or friends.
You’re not alone if you’ve been injured, or along with someone dear, stamped down by a defective product. Holding companies accountable assists victims and brings safer products to your community.
Nursing Home Abuse
Respect and care are what a loved one should expect in a nursing home, not neglect or abuse. Nursing home mistreatment sends many families reeling. Staff may neglect or directly harm the patient from overwork.
The abuses may be physical, emotional, or financial. Look out for unexplained injuries, sudden alterations in behavior, or other disturbances. They should feel that they are safe and cherished in their own home.
Having frequent communication with the facility can help ensure that your loved ones will receive the care they deserve. Make the environment for your elders a caring and safe one.
Premises Liability
Owners are liable for accidents and injuries stemming from ill conditions. You expect to be safe when you enter a friend’s house or a mall or any public facility. But when an owner creates or fails to remove or warn of dangerous conditions, you may end up being seriously injured due to uneven walks, slips, or inadequate lighting.
After an accident, a victim or family members go for justice. Understanding property rights and duties is crucial. They are held accountable to compensate for your loss and make a safer space for everyone.
Criminal Acts
Criminal conduct can cause wrongful deaths, even though no one wants to contemplate it. The consequences of severe acts like murder and assault can be devastating. It’s not simply extreme cases. Even criminal negligence, such as a drunk driver having an accident, can cause tragedy.
One side of reckless movements causes destruction, and that wave spreads through families and communities. Safety should be a priority to avoid tragedies.
Wrongful deaths happen unexpectedly. But if you learn their common causes, you can take the steps on how to protect your rights to seek justice for the loss you have suffered.
