Wrongful death is the term used for a fatality that is caused by the negligence of another individual. While most are the result of an accident, they could also be due to reckless or careless behavior. There are quite a few different causes for them, and understandably, some are more common causes of wrongful deaths.
Below we are going to take a look at just eight wrongful deaths and explain a little bit about them.
Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.
Criminal Activity
Indeed, one of the most common causes of wrongful death lawsuits is when an individual conducts criminal activity that results in the death of another person. In these cases, loved ones can receive compensation for past hospital bills, property damages, loss of companionship, and mental anguish such as grief and suffering.
Medical Malpractice
When a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse fails to provide an acceptable standard of care to their patient, it can be described as medical malpractice. This breach of duty can result in serious injuries and wrongful deaths. Some of the most common types include:
– Medication errors: Prescribing wrong medications or incorrect dosages.
– Surgical mistakes: Performing surgery on wrong body parts, leaving equipment inside a body, or failure to provide post-operative care.
– Anesthesia errors: Too much anesthesia, defective equipment, or inserting a breathing tube improperly.
– Birth injuries: Inability to respond to signs of neonatal distress.
– Misdiagnosis: Failure to conduct the appropriate tests or incorrectly interpreting test results.
Automobile Accidents
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40,000 people are killed on US roads every year. A wrongful death case can occur due to the negligence of another motorist, a passenger of the same vehicle, or a defective part from an automotive manufacturing company.
If you’re about to take on a case that is caused by an automobile accident, it’s important that you hire the right professionals to help, as these Chicago Injury Lawyers. They’ll be able to assist with your specific situation so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Nursing Home Negligence
Much like in hospitals, it’s up to the staff in a care facility to ensure their residents are taken care of. Elder abuse is the term used to describe this form of neglect, and it can lead to wrongful death. Some examples of it include:
– Physical abuse: The intentional use of force against an individual. E.g., Hitting, kicking, and slapping.
– Emotional abuse: Psychological acts that can lead to fear and distress. E.g., Name-calling, humiliation, and intimidation.
– Sexual Abuse: Forcing or performing sexual acts without consent.
– Exploitation: Improper use of a resident’s financial resources.
– Abandonment: Intentionally deserting a patient that requires care and assistance.
– Neglect: Failure to provide medical, hygiene upkeep, nutrition, hydration, and basic living requirements.
Drowning and Boating Accidents
While some drownings can be accidents, there is also an instance when they can be considered a wrongful death. For example, if a child drowned when another should have been responsible for keeping them safe, it can be negligence. The same goes for boating accidents—those driving need to make sure that they are making reasonable decisions.
Workplace Accident
Some workplace accidents can result in wrongful deaths. For instance, falls, burns, explosions, and exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause fatalities. While most of these occur in construction sites, mines, and manufacturing companies, they can still happen in regular stores and office environments too. This is why conducting routine checks and reviewing your safety policies is essential. You can find some tips to keep your workplace safe here.
Product Liability
When a company releases a new product, it’s their responsibility to ensure it is safe for use or consumption. This means they must vigorously test the product checking for defects in the design or development. If this isn’t done correctly and it causes a fatality, it’s reasonable grounds for a wrongful death case. An example would be medical devices such as a defibrillator that fails or a child’s car seat that doesn’t work in an accident.
Premises Liability
Last on the list, alongside their product liability; businesses also have the responsibility to keep their premises safe. If something falls on an individual or they slip on a spill without the correct signage, it could result in a fatality. It’s not just businesses either; both residential and commercial properties have to be safe and maintained to reduce the risk of potential harm.
