Far too often, the negligence of others has resulted in fatal consequences. When someone passes away because of injuries caused by someone else, we refer to it as wrongful death. After a wrongful death, those who have the legal right to fight on the behalf of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. These individuals will be able to seek compensation for the impact of losing their loved one. 

 

What is a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit brought upon someone who is at fault for a loved one’s death. These lawsuits seek compensation, such as lost wages, companionship, and funeral expenses. It will be discussed what wrongful death claims are, who can sue, and who can be sued.

Some events that can be considered the cause of a wrongful death include:

  • Auto accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Purposeful crime
  • Defective products
  • Premises liability

 

If someone else’s negligence results in death, it’s imperative to work with an attorney to move forward with a wrongful death case. Our team at Friedman Law Offices are experienced in wrongful death cases and will do everything in our power to help you move forward. 

 

Call us today at (800)876-1093 to speak with one of our dedicated attorneys.

 

Auto Accidents

Automobile accidents are all too common today. Sometimes, at no fault to their own, people can fatally suffer from someone else’s negligence while driving. Unfortunately, automobile accidents can be prevented. Most times it’s the driver’s reckless decisions that cause harm to our loved ones. Some examples for instance could be an intoxicated driver swerving and crashing into another person causing fatal injuries. Other actions could include speeding, distracted driving, ignoring traffic signs and lights, or even failure to maintain their vehicle.

 

Medical Malpractice

According to Hopkins Medicine, medical malpractice errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. tallying up to 250,000 deaths per year. But out of these only about 15,000 to 19,000 are taken to court. These cases normally stem from medical errors in diagnosis, health management, medication dosage, treatment, or aftercare. 

 

Product Liability

If a product is defective, most times due to it’s design, distribution, or marketing, and someone loses their life because of said defect, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed against the party or parties that are responsible. Common defective products include medical devices, children’s toys, household appliances, cleaning products, pharmaceutical drugs, and agricultural products.

 

Premises Liability

Due to the negligence of a property owner, if a fatal injury occurs that could have been prevented, for example a slip and fall, it may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. If someone were to suffer a severe head injury due to a slippery floor or a lifted rug and dies from their injuries, the property owner can be held accountable. 

 

Who can sue for Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim must be filed by a representative of the estate. They are usually immediate family members, life partner’s, and distant relatives. 

If you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation including:

  • Pre death pain and suffering (survival claim)
  • Medical treatment costs incurred prior to death
  • Funeral costs
  • Loss of expected income
  • Value of the services the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of care, guidance, and nurturing the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of love and companionship

 

Who can be sued for Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death lawsuit can be brought against many different people, companies, employees, and government agencies.

At Friedman Law Offices, we know how devastating it can be to lose a loved one. We care about families and their rights when harm befalls their loved one due to the acts of others. You can count on our wrongful death attorneys to handle legal matters regarding your case so you can focus on grieving. We will help you understand your situation and who can be held accountable. We offer a free initial consultation.