5 Common Causes of Wrongful Death

 

Wrongful death can be categorized as occurring when someone is killed due to another person’s negligent act, and a wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate the families of those who are killed. Surviving spouses, parents, or children can file a suit against any person or entity alleged to have caused the wrongful death of their loved one, and some states even allow extended family like grandparents to do the same.

Causes of wrongful death can be nearly anything, but these are the most common that arise in these lawsuits:

Automobile Accidents

Distracted, drunk, impaired, or aggressive drivers, as well as road construction and pedestrian fatalities are some of the most common causes of death in the United States, and are the most common causes of wrongful death lawsuits.

Product Liability

Product designers, manufacturers, and sellers are required to minimize the risk of harm of their products to the consumer. Deaths that result from a faulty design, defective manufacturing process, or failure to warn of danger associated with using a product can be grounds for a wrongful death suit.

Work-Related Accidents

Deaths that occur in the workplace as a result of negligence can be cause for a lawsuit, especially if the death is due to unsafe work environments, fire or explosion, faulty equipment, or improper training.

Negligence of others:

• electrocution
• fire
• dangerous property conditions
• work accidents
• commercial truck accidents

Medical Malpractice

When medical professionals fail to uphold an appropriate level of care resulting in the death of a patient, the family of the deceased can seek a wrongful death lawsuit based on evidence that points to prescription error, misdiagnosis, emergency room error, surgical injury, delayed diagnosis, or even medical equipment malfunction in some cases.
If a loved one has been killed due to the negligent actions of another, don’t hesitate in calling the offices of Lanzotti & Rau. We will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 573.335.9300 to schedule your complimentary consultation.