Losing a loved one is a challenging and emotional experience. However, the pain can be even more unbearable if the death was preventable and caused by someone else's negligence. This is where the term "wrongful death" comes into play. Wrongful death is a term used to describe a death that occurs as a result of someone else's negligent or intentional actions. According to the National Safety Council, accidental deaths are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with over 170,000 deaths occurring each year. Wrongful death can occur in a variety of situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.
When someone dies due to the negligence of another person or entity, their family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss. This compensation can help cover the cost of funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, navigating the legal process of filing a wrongful death claim can be challenging, especially for those who are grieving. This is where our team of professionals comes in. We understand the complexities of wrongful death cases and are here to help guide you through the process. Our goal is to provide compassionate and effective legal representation to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Defining Wrongful Death
Defining Wrongful Death
When a person dies due to the negligence, misconduct, or intentional act of another person or entity, it is considered a wrongful death. This type of death can happen in a variety of situations, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more. In the United States, there are over 90,000 wrongful death cases every year, with an average settlement of $1.2 million.
Wrongful death is not only emotionally devastating for the family of the deceased, but it can also cause financial strain, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. According to a study by the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral in the United States is around $7,000.
At our firm, we understand the complexities of wrongful death cases and the impact they have on families. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
The Difference Between Negligence and Intentional Acts
When it comes to wrongful death cases, it is important to differentiate between negligence and intentional acts. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. On the other hand, intentional acts are those that are done purposefully to harm another person.
In wrongful death cases, negligence is often the cause of the death. This can include car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip and fall accidents. Intentional acts, such as murder, are less common but still occur in wrongful death cases.
It is important to distinguish between the two because the legal process and potential compensation can differ. Negligence cases are typically handled in civil court and may result in compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Intentional acts, however, may result in criminal charges and punishment for the perpetrator.
Overall, it is important to seek the counsel of a wrongful death lawyer in order to determine the best course of action for your specific case. Our team of professionals is here to help guide you through the difficult process of seeking justice for your loved one.