A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that is filed by the family members of someone who was killed by the negligent acts of another person. There are a number of different ways that a wrongful death can occur, but some are more common than others. Here are the most common causes of wrongful death:
Traffic Accidents
Accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are one of the leading causes of wrongful deaths. Innocent people are killed in traffic accidents caused by distracted, intoxicated, or reckless drivers far too often. Pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents are typically the most dangerous since these individuals do not have airbags or seatbelts to protect them from harm.
Medical Malpractice
If a doctor fails to provide the appropriate level of care to a patient and the patient is injured or killed as a result, this is medical malpractice. Medical malpractice can take many different forms, including misdiagnosis, prescription errors, and surgical errors. Some patients may not suffer any harm from these medical mistakes, while others will suffer fatal injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Every job carries some level of risk, but certain jobs are much more dangerous than others. For instance, those who work in the construction industry must handle heavy equipment, work from great heights, and use dangerous tools on a regular basis. Sadly, the construction industry is among the most dangerous. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that 21.4% of all worker fatalities in the private industry in 2015 were in construction. In some cases, the victim’s family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in addition to recovering workers’ compensation death benefits.
Defective Products
Product designers, manufacturers, and retailers should never produce or sell products that are defective. But sometimes, these parties are unaware of a product defect until it has seriously harmed or killed someone. Some examples of defective products that have killed innocent customers in the past include furniture that easily tipped over, airbags that didn’t deploy during a collision, and asbestos building materials. In the event that your loved one is killed by a defective product, you may be able to recover compensation from the party responsible for the defect.
Have you lost a loved one due to the negligent acts of another person? Don’t wait any longer—contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys can help you seek justice against the party that is responsible for your loved one’s death. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
