Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death claims can arise from various types of accidents that cause the untimely and preventable death of an individual. These accidents can occur in different settings, such as on the road, in the workplace, or within medical facilities. The following are some of the most common types of fatal incidents that a wrongful death lawyer can help you with.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death claims. Negligent or reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, or failure to follow traffic laws, can result in fatal collisions. These accidents may involve multiple vehicles or single-car crashes and can cause severe injuries leading to the death of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals deviate from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm or death to a patient. Wrongful death claims may arise from surgical errors, medication mistakes, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a serious condition, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, or negligence in providing appropriate medical treatment. Medical malpractice cases require expert testimony to establish the breach of duty and the link between the medical error and the patient’s death.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can occur in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. These accidents may involve falls from heights, being struck by objects, exposure to hazardous substances, equipment malfunctions, explosions, or fires. Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment, provide proper training and protective gear, and adhere to safety regulations. If a worker dies due to an employer’s negligence or failure to fulfill these obligations, a wrongful death claim can be pursued.
Product Liability
Product liability cases can result in wrongful death claims when a defective or dangerous product causes a fatal accident. Defects may be due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings or instructions. Defective products can range from faulty automobile parts, defective machinery, pharmaceutical drugs with dangerous side effects, or consumer products that pose hazards. Establishing liability in product liability cases may involve proving the defect, negligence, or breach of warranty by the manufacturer or distributor.
Premises Liability
Premises liability refers to accidents that occur on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions. Slip and fall accidents, inadequate security leading to assault or violence, building code violations, or structural failures can result in fatal injuries. Property owners or managers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and warn visitors of potential hazards. When their negligence or failure to address hazards leads to a fatal accident, a wrongful death claim may be pursued.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and wrongful death claims can arise from other accidents as well, such as aviation accidents, boating accidents, nursing home abuse or neglect, or criminal acts. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident will determine the viability of a wrongful death claim.
Thank you to our friends at Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into wrongful death.