According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020, the leading cause of death for those ages 1 to 44 is unintentional injuries.
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when their death is untimely and preventable. Wrongful death refers to a situation where the negligence or misconduct of another person cuts someone’s life short. While each case is unique, there are common causes of wrongful death that shed light on the factors contributing to these tragic incidents.
Medical malpractice
One of the most common causes of wrongful death is medical malpractice. This occurs when healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses or hospitals, fail to provide a standard level of care, resulting in patient harm or death. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes and birth injuries are examples of medical malpractice cases that can lead to wrongful death.
Car accidents
Fatal car accidents are all too common. They may occur due to reckless driving, drunk driving, distracted driving or speeding. When someone’s negligence leads to a fatal collision, it can result in a wrongful death claim.
Defective products
Defective products, such as faulty medical devices or dangerous consumer goods, can lead to wrongful deaths. Manufacturers and sellers have a duty to ensure their products are safe for use, and if they fail in this regard, they may be liable for resulting deaths.
Dangerous premises
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Wrongful deaths can occur if someone dies due to dangerous conditions like slip and falls, inadequate security or poorly maintained buildings.
Nursing home neglect
In cases of elder abuse or neglect, wrongful deaths can occur in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Failure to provide adequate care, nutrition and supervision can result in severe harm or death to elderly residents.
Criminal acts
Wrongful deaths can result from criminal acts such as assault, robbery or homicide. While the criminal justice system addresses the criminal aspect, surviving family members may pursue civil action for wrongful death to seek compensation and justice.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim requires proving that another party’s negligence or intentional actions directly caused the death. Understanding the common causes of wrongful death sheds light on the importance of accountability and responsibility in preventing such tragedies and ensuring justice for those left behind.
