The Top 5 Causes of Wrongful Death in the United States
Each year in the United States, thousands of people die because of the negligence or actions of another person or entity—or wrongful death cases. As a personal injury law firm, we study the ins and outs of wrongful death cases on a regular basis. We’ve handled cases in areas across the board, but year after year, we see the same types of situations happen to victims all over the country. In no particular order, here are the five most common types of wrongful death cases.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 29,989 fatal motor vehicle accidents—involving cars, trucks, and/or motorcycles in the United States in 2014. These accidents resulted in 32,675 deaths, which amounts to 10.2 deaths per 100,000 people in the country. If someone you know has died as a result of someone else’s driving—whether they were under the influence or not—you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death suit.
Medical Malpractice
In a recent study by the Journal of Patient Safety, evidence suggested that an estimated 400,000 people in the United States die each year as the result of medical malpractice. Previously, it had been thought that the number was much lower, at 98,000, but the study took into account deaths that occurred outside of hospitals as a result of medical errors. If your loved one has died because of a medical error—during a hospital stay or during outpatient care—you may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death suit.
Criminal Acts
Approximately 17,000 people in the United States die each year from criminal acts such as homicide or manslaughter. While suspects of these crimes should be prosecuted in a criminal trial, you may also be able to bring about civil charges against them as well. If your loved one was killed in a criminal act, you may be able to sue the perpetrator for financial compensation—separate from a criminal trial.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents claim the lives of more than 4,000 people in the United States each year, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The most common deaths are related to falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object, or being caught in-between something. If your loved one died while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil suit.
Product Liability
Because there are so many different types of products, regulated by many different agencies, it’s hard to come up with an exact number of deaths related to product liability. Whether an automobile, a prescription or OTC drug, a toy, a power tool, or another item—if someone you know died as the result of an unsafe product, you may be entitled to compensation.
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Has someone you love died as a result of someone else’s negligence or actions? Our lawyers are available to discuss your particular situation during a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you seek during this trying time. Learn more about our services below.
