The Most Common Types Of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims can be made by family members when a loved one loses their life due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. Understanding the most common wrongful death examples can help you recognize if you have a valid claim and take the necessary steps to protect your family’s future.
While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, filing a wrongful death claim can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages. The dedicated attorneys at Bretz Injury Law have extensive experience handling a wide range of wrongful death cases, including those resulting from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other catastrophic injuries. In this article, we will explore the most common examples of wrongful death to help you understand your legal rights and options.
Vehicular Accidents: The Leading Cause of Wrongful Death
Vehicular accidents, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian incidents, are the predominant causes of wrongful deaths. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and failing to yield not only lead to devastating losses but also significant legal actions. These cases often involve complex liability issues, requiring thorough investigations and expert testimonies to establish fault and secure just compensation for the bereaved families.
Intentional Acts: Seeking Justice Beyond Criminal Trials
Wrongful deaths resulting from intentional acts like murder or assault present unique challenges, as they involve navigating both criminal and civil legal systems. Families pursue wrongful death claims to obtain compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress, independent of any criminal proceedings.
High-profile cases, such as those involving celebrities or large settlements, highlight the potential for substantial awards, though they also require sensitive handling due to their public and emotional nature.
Some intentional-act wrongful death cases have gained significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the parties involved. Two notable examples include:
- J. Simpson. In 1994, former football star O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder charges in the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. However, the families of the victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Simpson and were awarded $33.5 million in damages.
- Robert Blake. Actor Robert Blake was charged with the murder of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001. Although he was acquitted in the criminal trial, Bakley’s children filed a wrongful death suit against Blake and were awarded $30 million, which was later reduced to $15 million on appeal.
In wrongful death cases involving intentional acts, the perpetrator may face both criminal charges and civil liability. While a criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a wrongful death claim has a lower burden of proof, requiring only a preponderance of the evidence.
This means that even if the perpetrator is not convicted in a criminal trial, they may still be held liable in a wrongful death suit. Families who have lost loved ones to intentional acts of violence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the pain and suffering caused by their loss.
Defective Products and Workplace Accidents: Accountability in Fatalities
Cases involving defective products or workplace accidents underscore the necessity of proving negligence or safety violations by companies. Whether it’s faulty automotive components or unsafe work environments, these claims focus on corporate responsibility and the importance of adhering to safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive solution for workplace injuries, including fatal accidents. This means that surviving family members are typically limited to receiving death benefits through the workers’ compensation system rather than filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the employer.
That said, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the employer intentionally caused the worker’s death or if a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment, was responsible for the fatal accident, the family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical Malpractice: Addressing Fatal Error in Healthcare
Medical malpractice claims are particularly intricate, involving errors like surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or improper medication management. These cases demand a detailed examination of medical practices and outcomes to establish negligence.
When a loved one dies due to medical malpractice, the family is left devastated. It is typical to experience a range of intense emotions, including anger, betrayal, and grief. The psychological stress of dealing with an unexpected loss can be overwhelming, and the sense of betrayal by trusted healthcare providers can lead to a loss of faith in the medical system.
In addition to the emotional toll, families may face significant financial burdens. The cost of medical treatments, funeral expenses, and lost income can quickly accumulate, placing a substantial strain on the family’s resources. These challenges add an additional layer of stress to an already difficult situation.
Seeking Justice and Support After a Wrongful Death
Regardless of the cause, wrongful death cases require a strategic legal approach to address the multifaceted issues of liability, damages, and compensation. Families benefit from the guidance of an experienced wrongful death attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape, from initiating claims to negotiating settlements or advocating in court.
The tragic loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is an emotionally devastating experience that no family should have to endure. Whether the cause is a vehicular accident, intentional act, defective product, workplace accident, or medical malpractice, the pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members cannot be overstated.
How Can Bretz Injury Law Help?
At Bretz Injury Law, we understand the immense challenges faced by families in the aftermath of a wrongful death and are committed to providing compassionate, personalized service to help them protect their family’s future.
With a proven track record of success, including winning more than 98% of cases pursued in the last 30 years and recovering over $300 million for our clients, the legal team at Bretz Injury Law has the experience and dedication necessary to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation our clients need to move forward. Call 620-RESULTS for a free consultation today.
FAQs
What is considered a wrongful death?
Wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence or a criminal act, such as murder, leads to the death of another person. For instance, if a worker dies from a fall due to a lack of fall protection equipment, this incident would be considered a wrongful death.
What is the maximum compensation one can seek in a wrongful death lawsuit?
The amount of compensation in wrongful death lawsuits can vary widely, often ranging from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars. The exact value of a case depends on its specific facts and circumstances, making it crucial to consult with a skilled wrongful death lawyer for an accurate assessment.
What must be proven in a wrongful death lawsuit?
To win in a wrongful death claim, four key elements must be established: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. This means proving that the defendant had a responsibility to act safely, failed to do so, directly caused the death of your loved one, and, as a result, caused damages.
