Common Causes of Wrongful Death and How Families Can Seek Justice
The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one is an unbearable tragedy. When that loss is due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another party, it’s not just a personal heartbreak; it’s a wrongful death. While no legal action can ever truly fill the void left by a loved one, understanding the common causes of wrongful death and pursuing justice can provide a path to accountability and financial stability for grieving families.
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies due to the legal fault of another. This “fault” can stem from a wide range of negligent or intentional actions. Recognizing these common causes is the first step toward understanding how justice can be sought for your family.
Here are some of the most frequent circumstances that lead to wrongful death claims:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Tragically, car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death. While many accidents are unavoidable, a significant number result from driver negligence, including:
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Impaired drivers pose an extreme risk, often leading to devastating and fatal collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed, aggressive maneuvers, and disregard for traffic laws dramatically increase the likelihood of deadly accidents.
- Commercial Truck Accidents: Due to their massive size and weight, accidents involving semi-trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, frequently linked to driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or overloaded trucks.
Defective Products
When a product is designed, manufactured, or marketed defectively, it can pose a serious risk to consumers, sometimes leading to death. Examples include:
- Defective Automobile Parts: Faulty brakes, airbags that don’t deploy, or tires that blow out can cause fatal accidents.
- Unsafe Medical Devices or Pharmaceuticals: Products that cause severe side effects or fail to perform as intended, leading to death.
- Dangerous Consumer Products: Household appliances, children’s toys, or tools with design or manufacturing flaws that result in fatal injuries.
Premises Liability
Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to do so, it can lead to fatal accidents, such as:
- Slip and Falls: Due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
- Lack of Security: Insufficient security measures leading to violent crimes and death.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Drowning incidents due to unsecure pools, lack of supervision, or faulty equipment.
Seeking Justice for Your Family
While the legal process can seem daunting during a time of immense grief, pursuing a wrongful death claim can:
- Provide Financial Security: Cover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost income, and future financial support your loved one would have provided.
- Offer Accountability: Hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.
- Prevent Future Tragedies: Sometimes, a wrongful death lawsuit can lead to changes in policy or procedure that prevent similar incidents from occurring.
At Herrling Clark, we understand the profound pain and complexity that come with the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Our compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping families navigate this challenging time and seek the justice they deserve. Contact us today.