The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths are something that no family should have to endure. When someone’s death is caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party it can leave their family and friends heartbroken and unsure of what to do next. Wrongful death cases are complex and are typically emotionally charged, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the law. In this article we will be diving into the most common causes of wrong deaths as well as providing guidance on how to seek justice for any victims and their families.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths

Automobile Accidents

  • Negligent Driving: Negligent driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents and causes the most dangerous crashes. Negligent driving refers to any actions that are reckless behind the wheel, this includes actions such as speeding, distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, eating, etc.), and a failure to obey traffic laws. Driving with blatant disregard of others around you is extremely unsafe and is unfortunately a common cause of death.
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drunk driving is an illegal act, however it does not stop people from doing it. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) 13,524 people were killed in alcohol impaired traffic accidents in 2022. Alcohol and drugs severely impair a driver’s action and is one of the most common causes of fatal accidents.
  • Defective Vehicles: Mechanical failures and design flaws can cause a vehicle to malfunction. These failures can lead to serious fatal crashes.

Medical Malpractice

  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: The failure of a doctor or medical professional to diagnose a serious condition can lead to preventable deaths. If a doctor’s misdiagnosis caused the death of a loved one then they are likely to be held liable for the damages that the family has suffered from.
  • Surgical Errors: If a surgeon or a doctor makes a mistake during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving a surgical instrument inside of the body, the errors can be fatal.
  • Medication Errors: Prescription medicine can be dangerous if not taken properly. A doctor misprescribing a medication or a pharmacist giving an incorrect dosage can result in severe deadly consequences.

Workplace Accidents

  • Construction Site Accidents: A construction zone can be dangerous, but it can also be a deadly workplace. Falling objects, unstable ground, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe working conditions are all relatively commonplace in a construction site. These hazards can all lead to serious injuries, but they can also result in death.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Dealing with toxic substances like asbestos can be dangerous, but long-term exposure to these toxic substances can lead to fatal illnesses.
  • Lack of Safety Training: Not receiving proper training or failure to follow any safety protocols that the workplace may have can result in fatal incidents.

Premises Liability

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: A property owner has responsibility to maintain their properties to be safe for anyone who may step foot into them. A poorly maintained property can cause falls which can be fatal, particularly for elderly individuals.
  • Inadequate Security: Lack of proper security measures can lead to fatal assaults or accidents.
  • Fire Hazards: Faulty wiring, lack of fire exits, and other hazards can result in deadly fires.

Product Liability

  • Defective Products: Products that are either poorly designed, poorly manufactured, or poorly labeled can be the cause of many injuries, resulting even in death.
  • Lack of Warnings: A product requires proper safety warnings and instructions on how to operate it safely. If a product does not have these warnings then it can lead to deadly accidents.
  • Contaminated Food or Drugs: The consumption of a food product that is tainted can result in food poisoning or serious illnesses which can often be fatal.

Nursing Home Negligence

  • Neglect and Abuse: Failure to provide someone with adequate care, including nutrition, hydration, and medical attention can lead to death.
  • Unsafe Facilities: A poorly maintained nursing home can cause fatal accidents.
  • Medical Malpractice: Mistakes in medication administration and medical care can result in wrongful death.

How to Seek Justice

Gather Evidence: 

In the event of a wrongful death, it is important to remember that evidence is key in building a strong wrongful death case. The evidence that you need to prove that this death was wrongful can often be difficult to gather and it can come from a variety of sources, these sources being: medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and even expert testimonies. Physical evidence is often the most important piece of evidence in a wrongful death case. This evidence can be photographs from the scene of the accident, or in the case of a product liability death, the defective product itself. Evidence is crucial for any wrongful death claim, so be sure to preserve any and all documentation that is sent to you or any family members.

Seek Support:

The loss of a loved one can completely change your life, leaving you and your loved ones feeling alone and often depressed. Do not suffer alone. If you are enduring bouts of depression, or just need to speak your mind to someone, consider seeking out the help of a support group or a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. These people and groups are there to help you and your family cope with the losses that you have suffered and to help you adjust to these tremendous changes.

Consult With a Utah wrongful death lawyer:

Wrongful death cases are extremely difficult to handle on your own, making reaching out to a Utah wrongful death lawyer crucial. Your Utah wrongful death attorney is here to provide you with expert advice on how to proceed with your case and will research and investigate the details of your case to determine the parties that may be liable. Your wrongful death lawyer is there to alleviate the burden that you have so that you are able to grieve more peacefully. Hiring a wrongful death lawyer ensures that these legal complexities are handled with ease and ensure that your case has been taken care of all within the statute of limitations.

Negotiations and Litigation:

Many wrongful death cases are settled out of court through settlement negotiations. Insurance companies will try to exploit and devalue your case during settlement negotiations, but hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney ensures that you will be able to get a fair settlement. However, if a settlement is unable to be reached, then your case may need to go to trial, where the attorney will present the evidence and argue the case before a judge and jury.

A wrongful death is tragic and the subsequent lawsuit is incredibly complex. Seeking justice for these tragedies requires the expertise of a skilled Utah wrongful death attorney. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to an accident that was not their fault, contact the experts at LifeLaw Personal Injury. Our team of the best wrongful death lawyers will collect thorough evidence for your case and take care of every detail so you can focus on your emotional recovery. If you or someone you know has been affected by a wrongful death give us a call today for a free consultation, our team of lawyers will get you the compensation you deserve and fight for you.