19 Feb 2024
Personal Injury
In the unfortunate event of losing a loved one to someone else's negligent actions, understanding the different ways wrongful death can occur is critical. This insight can help grieving families navigate the complexities of seeking justice through wrongful death claims. These claims can hold the party at fault accountable while also providing the family with compensation for the irreplaceable loss they have suffered. When you’re grieving, you shouldn’t have to worry about the financial consequences of the loss as well, which happens if your loved one was a provider for your family.
If you and your family have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, don’t go through these trying times alone. With the help of the wrongful death attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC, we can get you the justice your family needs and deserves.
#1. Car Accidents: A Leading Cause of Wrongful Death
Despite advancements in vehicle safety, car accidents remain a leading cause of death. These accidents always have a cause, whether it be someone causing the accident through their driving decisions or a manufacturer building the car with flaws. Understanding the source, the statistical prevalence, and ways to prevent these accidents can be crucial in determining who was responsible for the death of your family member.Causes of Fatal Car Crashes
Common reasons why fatal car accidents occur include driver negligence, which can take the form of:- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, which includes texting, eating, or using a navigation system while behind the wheel
Statistics and Prevalence
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 19,515 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2023 alone. The vast majority of these accidents were caused by preventable factors, which makes seeking legal help imperative for affected families.Prevention Is Key
Preventative measures, including obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and regular vehicle maintenance, are critical in reducing the risk of car accidents. When someone doesn’t do this, they are responsible for the accidents they cause. Understanding these precautions can potentially save lives.#2. Medical Malpractice: When Healthcare Goes Wrong
Trusting a health professional with the well-being of a loved one only for it to result in their wrongful death is a devastating breach of trust. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, leading to the suffering or death of a patient. This does not include times when doctors fail to preserve someone’s life due to factors beyond their control. There are instances where medicine can only do so much. Wrongful death, in this instance, must be where a mistake or decision caused someone’s death, rather than an inability to prevent or treat a fatal wound or condition.Understanding Negligence in Healthcare
Negligence can take various forms, including:- Misdiagnosis
- Errors in treatment
- Inadequate aftercare