Life as we know it can end in an instant. No one is immune to the possibility of sudden, tragic death. And when that happens, families are left to grapple with not only their grief but also the practicalities of what comes next. Adding to the emotional turmoil, there are often financial considerations as well. If the death was caused by another person’s negligence, the bereaved family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. But what exactly is this type of lawsuit, and what types of such cases will lawyers represent?
A wrongful death case is one in which a person’s death is the result of the intentional wrongdoing of another. In order to bring this lawsuit, certain family members will have to prove they incurred financial damages as a result of the victim’s death. Deaths from these cases can arise from a wide variety of circumstances, which we have outlined below. Generally speaking, any time another person’s negligence or recklessness results in someone’s death, there may be potential for a wrongful death claim.
Car Accidents
Unfortunately, automobile accidents happen all too often. If a driver was not paying attention, was driving under the influence, or was otherwise acting negligently, and as a result, your loved one was killed, you may have a case.
Truck Accidents
Another type of case that a wrongful death lawyer commonly handles is truck accidents. These can be especially devastating because trucks are much larger than other vehicles. If a truck driver was not following the rules of the road or if the trucking company did not properly maintain the vehicle, and as a result, your loved one was killed in an accident, you may have a case.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can also be very serious and easily result in negligence lawsuits. The rider is the ‘body’ and usually the only occupant of the motorcycle, so they are especially vulnerable to injuries. If their accident was a result of another person’s negligence, the rider’s family may have a case.
Construction Accidents
It’s no secret that construction sites can be dangerous places, and workers can get into fatal accidents on the job. If your loved one was killed in such an accident, you may have a claim against their employer or the property owner.
Dangerous Drug Cases and Defective Medical Device Cases
All drug companies have a duty to make sure their products are safe for consumers. Medical devices must also be safe for patients who use them. If a defective medical device or a dangerous drug causes someone’s death, the family of the victim may have a claim against the manufacturers or medical team.
Nursing Home Negligence Cases
Nursing homes are obligated to offer proper care for their residents. They ensure the residents receive proper nutrition, medication, and hygiene. If a nursing home fails to do so and a resident dies as a result, the family of the victim may have a claim.
Conclusion
Wrongful death cases can arise from many different circumstances. Car accidents, truck accidents, workplace accidents, and construction accidents are some of the most common. There’s hardly any limit to which cases a lawyer can represent, especially when you suspect negligence or foul play. So don’t hesitate to work with one if you’re seeking justice for your loved one.
