Wrongful death claims are not something most people think about until it happens to their nearest and dearest. The thought of losing a loved one due to the actions (or inactions) of another person is a terrible thing to consider. And yet, people suffer from wrongful death every day.
Though there are countless ways in which a wrongful death can occur, they often share underlying circumstances. These are a few of the most common fact patterns that can cause a wrongful death.
Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence
Medical errors and negligence aren’t just one of the most common causes of wrongful death, they’re one of the leading causes of death in the US, period. A study by a professor at John Hopkins University School Medicine found that approximately 251,000 deaths are caused every year due to medical error. These are deaths that could have been prevented had the right actions been taken and standard of care met.
WIth more of our population living longer, many people may end up in assisted living or a nursing home in their lifetimes. Like with medical providers, nursing home doctors and staff may miss symptoms, be undertrained, or make wrong decisions that cause the death of a loved one.
Death due to medical malpractice can be caused due to wrong decisions, rushed procedures, ignored information, oversights, pharmaceutical mix-ups, and more.
Vehicle Accidents
Due to improved safety features on vehicles, fewer people die in motor accidents today than 20-30 years ago. However, there are still more than 36,000 deaths every year due to vehicle accidents. Not all of these necessarily give rise wrongful deaths claims, but some deaths could have been prevented.
The other driver may be operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving without a license, ignoring rules of the road, and more. Vehicle manufacturers may also be to blame for a wrongful death involving an accident.
Motorcyclists are especially susceptible to wrongful death. A motorcycle driver is 27 times more likely to experience a fatal accident than a car driver.
Defective Products
If a person dies due to a faulty product, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility. It’s a sad truth that companies regularly release products either knowing about potential dangers that exist or rushing those products to market without proper testing. However, it often costs them more to fix the issue or pull the product than it does to deal with the consequences.
Products that cause wrongful death can include children’s toys, motor vehicles, food products, and more.
Workplace Accidents
Some jobs are known to be dangerous. However, that doesn’t excuse employers or third parties from being responsible should someone die. The truth is, almost any workplace can become a hazard if safety measures aren’t taken or proper training and warnings aren’t given.
Additionally, if employees are overworked and/or aren’t given proper breaks, their judgement can be affected, resulted in dangerous outcomes.
Making a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death cases are difficult by nature. Not only is the victim’s family dealing with the emotional and financial loss of their loved one, but also the at-fault party may deny or attempt to underpay the claim. If you’ve lost a loved one due to the actions or negligence of another party, it’s critical that you have proper legal representation.
We can help with that.
The Richards Firm exists to make the legal system more accessible. We sit down (or virtually meet) with each of our clients to hear their story and help them understand their options. From there, we go to work representing their needs. With The Richards Firm, your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay unless you win.
If you’re in need of a wrongful death attorney in the Greater Cincinnati area, contact The Richards Firm today.