Wrongful deaths are devastating for families and friends of the deceased. Unfortunately, these cases are more common than many people assume. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 130,000 people died from unintentional injuries in 2013.
Here are four common causes of wrongful death:
- Car Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30,057 people died in car accidents in 2013. Car wrecks are the leading cause of wrongful death in America. Not every accident is the result of a driver’s negligence; however, if the driver was unlicensed, impaired, intoxicated, fatigued or distracted, then he or she may be liable for the victims’ damages.
- Pedestrian Collisions
Because pedestrians have no protection against vehicles, collisions can easily cause catastrophic injuries or death. One pedestrian died every two hours in 2010. Although all pedestrians are vulnerable, most victims are elderly citizens and children. Jaywalking, reckless driving and limited visibility are common causes of these tragedies.
- Medical Malpractice
When doctors, nurses and other medical professionals make mistakes, patients can suffer severe and potentially fatal consequences. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes and failure to diagnose a health problem are common forms of medical malpractice.
- Work-Related Accidents
Although the construction industry has a reputation for being dangerous, fatal accidents can happen in almost any work setting. If your family member died while performing work-related duties, then you may be able to make a wrongful death claim.
These are not the only ways that wrongful death occurs. Falls, defective products, hazards on commercial properties, and negligent security are other causes. Unfortunately, surviving family members often face financial hardship in addition to overwhelming grief, administrative worries and legal issues.
Every wrongful death case is unique, and recovering damages from the liable parties is often a legally complex process. In medical malpractice cases, for example, a successful claim may require expert testimonies and an independent medical examination. An injury attorney can guide you through this process.