The death of a beloved person is one of the most agonizing experiences, and the torment may seem to be greater in cases where the loved one’s death was due to an accident or carelessness when it was unforeseen.
While families may be able to prepare psychologically at times, such as when battling a terminal illness, sudden events such as a car crash or workplace accident tend to leave the bereaved in shock. At Kelner & Kelner Law Firm, the attorneys assist the family members who are losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence or bad intention in committing the act.
But not every instance is the same; there are, of course, many causes of wrongful deaths, and the most common types of wrongful death cases are mentioned below.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death, given the vast number of drivers on the road and the frequency of travel. In Florida alone, there are over 16 million licensed drivers, leading to hundreds of car crashes each day and thousands of fatalities each year.
Most car accident fatalities result from driver negligence, such as speeding, reckless driving, inattention, or driving under the influence. When a driver’s negligence leads to a fatal accident, they can be held liable for the deaths of others involved, including drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians.
In some situations, liability might grow beyond respective drivers. If poor road conditions contribute to a fatal accident, the city or county responsible for road maintenance could be held accountable. Although rare, there are also instances where neither driver is negligent, yet accidents still result in tragic fatalities.
Truck Accidents
While truck accidents are also vehicle-related, they differ greatly from standard car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks. When a big truck crashes with a smaller vehicle, the results are often catastrophic, with a high likelihood of severe injuries or death for those in the smaller vehicle. Several factors specific to trucks can lead to wrongful deaths, including:
- Driver errors such as failing to signal, driving while fatigued, or jackknifing
- Aggressive driving or ignoring adverse weather conditions
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
- Mechanical failures
- Negligence on the part of trucking companies
- Driving under the consequence of drugs or alcohol
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle mishaps are often induced by other drivers failing to notice motorcycles on the road, which is frequently preventable if drivers check their surroundings carefully before changing lanes. Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe, with common consequences including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, burns, broken bones, and scarring.
Insurance coverage limitations often leave injured motorcyclists or their families struggling with financial burdens, and motorcycle accidents may also happen due to dangerous road conditions or imperfections. These cases often require lawful intervention to secure fair compensation.
Medical Malpractice
While most healthcare professionals adhere to high standards of care, medical errors do occur, sometimes with deadly results. Medical malpractice can direct to unlawful death in various ways, such as:
- Birth injuries
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Failure to provide appropriate or timely treatment
- Lack of informed consent for procedures
- Errors in medication administration
- Surgical mistakes
- Faulty or defective medical devices
When medical professionals deviate from standard care practices, patients can suffer severe or fatal outcomes, and families may have settings for a wrongful demise claim.
Workplace Accidents and Illnesses
Workplace fatalities are typically covered under workers’ compensation claims, but in cases where negligence or unsafe working conditions contribute to the fatality, a wrongful death claim may also be applicable. Some workplace incidents involve equipment malfunctions, exposure to toxic substances, or inadequate safety protocols, which can lead to fatal injuries or illnesses.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common types of wrongful death cases, but they are by no means exhaustive. Other types include fatalities from animal attacks or criminal acts. Essentially, any death that occurs due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful action could be grounds for a wrongful death claim.
If your family has experienced a wrongful death, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Conferring a personal injury lawyer can help you seek the claim and justice your family deserves.
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