Common Causes of Wrongful Death

There are a variety of factors that can lead to a wrongful death. If a party acts negligently, recklessly, with a complete disregard for other people's safety, or with intent to harm or kill, and an individual dies as a result of these actions, the death may be deemed wrongful. In such instances, it is possible to hold the liable party accountable for his or her actions. The following are some common causes of wrongful death:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 42,000 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2006. Motorists have an obligation to exercise caution while operating motor vehicles, obey the rules of the road, drive safely according to the conditions, and to be mindful of other motorists and pedestrians. If a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected as well as advise a course of action to obtain a successful case resolution.

Medical Malpractice

If a medical practitioner fails to perform his or her duties to the accepted standard of care, and as a result, causes injury or death to a patient, then the liable party can be held accountable. Medical malpractice causes a significant number of wrongful deaths in the United States every year. According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 90 percent of all medical malpractice lawsuits brought forth involve a plaintiff who has claimed the defendant caused a death or permanent, debilitating injury.

Product Liability

Under product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and product designers have an obligation to ensure the products they make and sell are safe for the public. Unfortunately, product designers and distributors will occasionally neglect to rigorously test their products to see that they are acceptable for public sale. If a product suffers from a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or a marketing defect (customers are not made aware of a potentially harmful risk, for example), and a person is killed as a result, it is possible to hold the liable party accountable, regardless of whether or not the party acted negligently.

Workplace Accidents

Dangerous work environments can pose a serious risk to employees. Workplace accidents such as falls, explosions, burns, and equipment accidents cause numerous deaths every year in environments including construction sites, manufacturing plants, and mining operations. If an employee is killed on a work site as a result of an employer's negligence or disregard for employee safety, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed against the negligent party. Employers have a legal obligation to meet OSHA standards, provide a safe work environment, and to take reasonable measures to protect the employees under their care.

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If you have lost a loved one as a result of another party's negligent and reckless actions, you have legal rights. You can contact an experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated wrongful death lawyer in your area by using our comprehensive directory. A wrongful death attorney can help ensure that your family obtains a just and fair case resolution. To learn more about your legal rights, or to file a wrongful death claim, contact a lawyer in your area today.