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Losing a loved one is never easy, especially if their passing was caused by someone else. A wrongful death can be devastating for the family, and the emotional and financial toll can also be overwhelming. In many cases, the family must cope with losing a loved one while also fighting for justice.
We understand that filing a claim may be the furthest thing from your mind if you have recently lost a loved one; you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of your next steps. You are not alone. If your family member died due to someone else’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to sue the liable party for damages. This blog will discuss the most common causes of wrongful death and how you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
The Top 4 Causes of Wrongful Death: How to Get Justice for Your Loved One
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death. In fact, more than 46,000 people die each year in accidents on U.S. roadways. The U.S. traffic fatality rate is 12.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. While these numbers are shocking, fatal car accidents are caused by driving error, reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, and driving under the influence.
If your loved one was killed in a car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence led to the death of your loved one.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another leading cause of wrongful death. A study from John Hopkins Medicine revealed that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Nearly 225,000 people die every year from some form of medical malpractice; this can include surgical errors, incorrect diagnosis, and incorrect dosages.
If your loved one died due to the negligence of a medical professional, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, you will need to prove that the medical professional breached their duty of care and that their negligence led to the death of your loved one.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are another common cause of wrongful death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, there were 4,764 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States. Statistics also reported in 2020 that a worker died every 111 minutes from a work-related injury. Fatal work-related accidents can be caused by a number of incidents such as falls from elevated heights, being struck by a moving object, dangerous machinery, etc.
If your loved one was killed in a workplace accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. To succeed, you will need to prove that your loved one was killed while performing their job duties. You may also need to prove that the employer was negligent and that their negligence led to the death of your loved one.
Defective Products
Defective products are another common cause of wrongful death. Research from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals defective and dangerous products cause 21,400 fatalities each year. As a consumer, you assume the product you are using will not harm you; however, that is not always the case. Unfortunately, consumers have died from using defective or harmful products such as automobiles, toys, home appliances, medical products, etc.,
If your loved one was killed by a defective product, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the product manufacturer. To succeed in a defective product claim, you will need to prove that the product was defectively designed or manufactured and that the defect led to the death of your loved one.
Contact Tulsa Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. The last thing you should have to worry about during this difficult time is whether or not you will be able to get justice for your loved one. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can focus on your grieving process while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Contact Brewster & De Angelis today at (918) 265-1214 to schedule a free consultation. We would be honored to help you during this difficult time