Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation where someone dies because of another person's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. It can happen in a variety of situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more. In the United States, there are about 170,000 deaths due to unintentional injuries each year, making it the third leading cause of death.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but when it happens because of someone else's actions, it can be even more devastating. That's why it's important to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. A wrongful death lawyer can help families navigate the legal system and fight for compensation for things like medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income.
At our firm, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a wrongful death can take on a family. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Definition of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is a legal term used when someone dies as a result of the negligence or misconduct of another person. It typically involves a civil lawsuit in which the victim's survivors seek compensation for their loss. Wrongful death can occur in a variety of circumstances, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 167,000 unintentional injury deaths in the United States in 2018 alone. Of those deaths, 44,965 were related to motor vehicle accidents. These statistics highlight the importance of having a wrongful death lawyer on your side in the event of a tragedy.
As one expert states, "Wrongful death cases are not just about compensation for the survivors. They are about holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions and preventing similar tragedies from happening in the future." A skilled wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that justice is served for your loved one.
Categories of Wrongful Death
When it comes to wrongful death cases, there are a few categories that they can fall under. The most common categories include medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, and criminal activity.
Medical malpractice is the cause of a significant number of wrongful death cases. According to a study by Johns Hopkins, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. This includes errors made during surgeries, misdiagnosis, and medication errors.
Car accidents are another common cause of wrongful death. In 2019, there were 38,800 fatalities due to car accidents in the United States. Many of these accidents were caused by reckless driving, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
Workplace accidents can also lead to wrongful death cases. In 2019, there were 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in the United States. These accidents can occur in any type of workplace, from construction sites to office buildings.
Lastly, criminal activity can also result in wrongful death cases. This can include murder, manslaughter, or assault. These cases can be particularly difficult to navigate, as they involve both criminal and civil proceedings.
No matter the category, losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is a difficult and traumatic experience. Our team of professionals understands the emotional toll that wrongful death cases can take, and we are dedicated to helping our clients seek justice and compensation for their loss.