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When someone dies due to the negligence of an individual or entity, their family can pursue a settlement under wrongful death law. A successful lawsuit must prove the defendant violated a duty of care to the deceased and their negligence resulted in the person’s death. These circumstances apply in a variety of cases that lead to wrongful death claims.

4 Common Causes of Wrongful Death Law Cases

1. Auto Accidents

Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are the leading cause of wrongful death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 32,166 fatal crashes nationwide in 2015. Deaths often occur due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver.

2.  Medical Malpractice

Wrongful death lawAlthough medical professionals save lives every day, they sometimes make mistakes. When a patient dies because a doctor or another health care worker failed to provide a reasonable standard of care, it could be grounds for a medical malpractice case. Deaths occur due to a variety of errors, including misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, incorrect medication prescriptions, and treatment errors.

3. Workplace Accidents

Construction workers, landscapers, and other employees who work with heavy equipment face a higher risk of suffering a fatal injury on the job. However, even office workers can be susceptible to an unsafe work environment. In 2015, 4,836 workers were killed on the job in the U.S.

4. Defective Products

Manufacturers and vendors are legally obliged to distribute only products that are safe for public use as directed. However, faulty items still can lead to consumer deaths. Pharmaceuticals, toxic foods, and dangerous child care devices are leading causes of defective product cases.

 

If someone in your family died due to another person’s mistake or negligence, contact an attorney with a background in wrongful death law to evaluate your case. Egan & Richgels in La Crosse, WI, has nearly 40 years of experience with personal injury law cases, including auto accidents and medical malpractice. Visit the law firm’s website for information about their attorneys and practice areas and call (608) 784-0087 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Follow them on Twitter for more legal insight from their team. 

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