If you lost a loved one, you may be wondering if you have a case for wrongful death. Every situation is different, so it is important to speak with an attorney to find out if you have the right to file a claim. Generally, a wrongful death case arises when someone dies as a result of the negligence or intentional act of another person or entity. While no amount of money can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help alleviate some of the financial burden placed on the family. To learn more about whether you have a case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil claim that can be filed against a person who causes the death of your loved one due to negligence. The purpose of this type of lawsuit is to seek financial compensation for the survivors of the deceased person.
Common Examples of How Wrongful Deaths Occur
In order to win a wrongful death claim, you will need to prove that the death was caused by someone else’s negligence. To do this, you will need to gather evidence that shows that the other party owed your loved one a duty of care, breached the duty, caused your loved one’s death as a result of the breach, and you suffered damages due to the loss of your loved one. Some of the most common incidents that lead to wrongful death claims include the following:
- Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. Speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving are all common causes of car accidents that can lead to wrongful death.
- Medical Malpractice
Medical errors kill around 250,000 people in the U.S. each year. Things like wrong-site surgery, misdiagnosis, and failure to treat can all lead to wrongful death if they cause serious injury or complications. If you or a loved one has been a victim, our Gulfport medical malpractice attorneys can help.
- Workplace Accidents
There are around 5,000 workplace fatalities in the United States. each year. Common causes of deadly workplace accidents include falls, being struck by an object, and electrocution. If you lost a loved one in a workplace accident, workers’ compensation death benefits may cover certain costs, but you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against your loved one’s employer.
- Defective Products
If a product has a design flaw or manufacturing defect that makes it unreasonably dangerous to use, the company responsible can be held liable if someone is injured or killed as a result. This can include everything from defective car parts to children’s toys with small parts that pose a choking hazard.
If you are successful in your wrongful death claim, you may be awarded damages to cover funeral and burial expenses, lost income and companionship, pain and suffering, and more. Our product liability lawyers in the Gulfport area can help you.
Contact Us Today
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our Gulfport wrongful death attorneys will review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action to take. There is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one, but we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.