Wrongful Death: Most Common Causes

Wrongful death is a type of personal injury that occurs when someone is killed due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person or company. There are many different causes of wrongful death, and each one can have a devastating impact on the victim’s family. This blog post will discuss some of the most common causes of wrongful death in the United States. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to learn about your legal options.

Car Crashes

One of the most common causes of wrongful death in the United States is car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are around 6 million car accidents and nearly 40,000 fatalities in the country every year.  Car crashes can be caused by various factors, including drunk driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and weather conditions.

Medical Errors

Another leading cause of wrongful death is medical errors. According to a study published in The BMJ,medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer.  Medical errors can occur in any healthcare setting, from hospitals and doctor’s offices to nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Workplace Accidents

Wrongful death can also occur in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLA), there were almostfive thousand workplace fatalities in the United States in 2020.  Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, but some of the most dangerous jobs include construction, mining, and forestry.

Faulty Goods/Products

Another common cause of wrongful death is faulty goods or products. When a product is defective, it can pose a serious danger to the consumer.  Every year, thousands of people are killed as a result of faulty products, ranging from cars to children’s toys.

Crime/Violence

Sadly, crime and violence are also leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. According to the FBI, there were over 17,000 murders in the country in 2017.  Victims of crime and violence can include innocent bystanders, as well as those who are specifically targeted.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person or company, it is essential to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney to learn about your legal options.  An attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free case review. You may be entitled to a settlement, but you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal action.