Death is something that cannot be taken back. Once a person we love is taken from this life, we will not see them again. It can be depressing and heart wrenching to know that you will never hear that person’s voice again and the world has lost them for good. However, it is even more heartbreaking to know their deaths could have been avoided. Wrongful death accidents are not uncommon in today’s time and those that fall victim can experience emotional and financial scars for many years to come. Getting a Fresno wrongful death attorney can sometimes be needed. Here are just a few ways wrongful death accidents can happen.
Motor Vehicle Accident
One of the worst types of wrongful death accidents happens behind the wheel of a vehicle or on a motorcycle. Where most instances of accidents can be blamed on mere accident, certain instances can call for a wrongful death settlement case. These instances involve a number of different factors. Accidental death can be caused by a negligent driver, road companies, and even vehicle manufacturers.
Negligent Drivers
Negligent driving is a common cause of accidental death in a motor vehicle accident. This type of accident can happen due to a neglectful driver that is under the influence of controlled substances at the time of the accident, distracted while driving, reckless driving, speeding, and many other possible scenarios in which the accident might have been avoided.
Government Agencies
Cities and counties rely on road companies and other government agencies to maintain the roads and provide proper signage to alert drivers as to what is going on, on the roadways. At times, improper signage, inadequate or unclear messages on the signs, or simply neglecting to put out information at all can result in an automobile accident and possible accidental death. Additionally, inadequate roadways including, but not merely limited to potholes, misplaced lines, and any obstruction on the roadways caused by the city can attribute to the wrongful death of a motorist.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Although less common, some instances of wrongful death can be attributed to the vehicle manufacturer, themselves. These instances can happen from a misplaced part or one that was not properly tested during manufacturing. Regularly, vehicle companies send out recalls for these instances, but unfortunately, it often takes a wrongful death for the company to discover what is wrong with the vehicle.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The issue of nursing home neglect and abuse has long been the subject of many wrongful death lawsuits. Neglecting care for elderly patients in nursing homes is certainly nothing new, however, these days, it is becoming more of a problem. Some patients in nursing homes have family that regularly checks on them and looks for signs of possible abuse, but many patients are not so lucky. Not all families will or can regularly check on their loved ones leaving them solely in the hands of the staff of the nursing facility.
Today, with COVID-19 a risk in nursing homes, visitors are barred from visiting their loved ones completely and can only rely on communication through non-physical means. That is fine if your loved one is able to call via their cell phone and tell you what is going on inside the facility, but what about the patience that are bed ridden or unable to speak? Those patients can be completely neglected during these times and the instance of wrongful death in nursing homes from neglect has the ability to grow drastically. Signs of wrongful death in these facilities can include bed sores, excessive weight loss, dehydration, and bruising on the body.
Premises Liability Accidents
At times, seemingly simple, slips and falls while out in public can result in wrongful death. When this happens, an investigation into premises liability is in order. Virtually all public sector properties such as grocery stores, concert venues, sports arenas, and anywhere else open to the public can be liable for a wrongful death suit. These instances can be attributed to neglect in cleaning up a spill, an obstruction blocking the path of a customer, a lose or broken walk path and a number of other possible scenarios.
Defective Product
Just like vehicle manufacturers can be held liable for a faulty part resulting in an occupant’s death, other products are liable for their claims as well. Drug companies, food distributors, household product manufacturers, and toy manufactures can all be held liable for any defective products they send out. Should these products directly or indirectly lead to the death of a user, the company can be sued for wrongful death.
Medical Malpractice
Among the most common wrongful death cases, unfortunately involve the people that should be taking the best care of others. Medical malpractice can be attributed to wrongful death and that is primarily the reason doctors and medical facilities have such substantial insurance policies. A botched surgery, the wrong surgery being performed, and dismissing a patient’s symptoms are just some of the possible malpractice instances that commonly contribute to wrongful death.
Who Can File?
If you suspect a friend or family member has experienced wrongful death due to these or other possible scenarios, contact a wrongful death attorney right away. Wrongful death cases are time sensitive and require immediate attention. Among those that can file a wrongful death case are children or spouse of the deceased, parents of the victim, and the deceased estate. A wrongful death should not happen, and you can be compensated should one of your family members fall victim to such an unfortunate circumstance.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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