Sadly, thousands of people lose their lives in the U.S. each year as a result of unintentional injuries. In many of these cases, negligence plays a role.
When a person or entity’s negligence has resulted in the death of another person, this is referred to as a wrongful death. Wrongful deaths are actionable in law, and a representative or family member of the deceased individual can make a claim for compensation.
What are some of the most common causes of wrongful death?
1. Road traffic collisions
Every year, tens of thousands of individuals lose their lives in road traffic collisions. This includes motorcycle crashes, truck crashes and all other types of vehicles. In many cases, these fatalities are the result of negligence. Negligent driving includes behaviors such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Other forms of reckless driving
It’s important to note that not all road fatalities stem from driver negligence. In some cases, other parties may be held liable. For example, if a fatal crash resulted from an auto defect, then the manufacturer of the vehicle may be held liable for the wrongful death.
2. Swimming pool accidents
The numbers for fatal drownings in the U.S. are quite staggering, with over 4,000 fatal drownings happening each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4. Negligence factors into these accidents when:
- There is a lack of supervision in swimming pools
- There are no effective safety barriers
- Floor areas are slippery
- No warning signs are used
Gathering as much legal information as possible will help you obtain compensation for the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.