Imagine losing a loved one and knowing that it could have been prevented? Every year, over 250,000 people die as a result of medical malpractice. That’s only one cause of wrongful death and doesn’t account for the other individuals who die as a result of negligence.
When someone dies as a result of misconduct or negligence, you can sue for wrongful death. Check out these five different types of wrongful death suits and how to get compensation.
1. Medical Malpractice
As mentioned above, medical malpractice is a common form of negligence. It occurs when medical care doesn’t meet the expected standard of care from doctors, nurses, or medical centers. This can include the following:
- misdiagnosis
- surgical errors
- failure to diagnose
- errors during pregnancy or labor
When loved ones fall victim to malpractice, you can file a wrongful death suit.
2. Defective Products
One type of wrongful death suit you may not think of involves defective products. This can include foods, baby/children products, and automobiles. The product manufacturers are held responsible for any injuries or fatalities that occur from a tainted or defective product.
3. Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are a common cause of wrongful death. More than 90 people die each day in car accidents. In some instances, accidents are caused by drunk drivers. In other cases, distracted drivers on their cell phones are at fault.
In the cases involving drivers under the influence, there could be more than one party who is held liable. If the driver has left a restaurant or bar, the person who served the driver could also bear some degree of responsibility.
4. Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident is more likely to result in a fatality because the victims don’t have any protection. Drivers who are distracted, under the influence, or have a limited field of vision can be found liable in a wrongful death suit.
5. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are common, especially in the fields of construction, mining, and manufacturing plants. Employers are responsible for providing their employees with a safe working environment. If a fatality occurs and it can be proved that the work environment was in fact not up to safety standards, the employer can be sued in a wrongful death case.
How Do You Get Compensation for a Wrongful Death?
The estate of a deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who’s legally responsible for their death. You will need to prove that the death was caused by someone’s negligence or their intent to harm.
It’s important to find an attorney that has experience with wrongful death suits to guide you through the process. Not every case goes to trial, and some are settled out of court.
Find an Attorney for Your Wrongful Death Case
When you lose a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s obviously an awful experience. While it won’t bring them back, you can get justice and compensation for your loss.
Are you looking for an experienced wrongful death attorney in Central Illinois? Contact Steigmann Law today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.