The Many Types of Wrongful Death Cases
A wrongful death case is a civil lawsuit that may be brought against someone who causes the death of another person through either negligence or on purpose. Although most wrongful death cases are based on the defendant’s negligent or careless actions, other types of cases may fall under this category. Knowing what type of wrongful death case you have will help you determine the best course of action to take.
Car Accidents
Traffic collisions, commonly known as car accidents, have become one of the leading causes of wrongful death cases in today’s society. This is unsurprising given the number of individuals with access to cars and the frequency with which they drive. Research has found that an ever-increasing reliance upon car-based transportation has created a dire situation where car accidents occur far too common and are often deadly. While many research efforts are underway to find ways to reduce car accident fatalities and wrongful death cases, it will take more than just technological breakthroughs to create safety on our roads – it requires consistent dedication from all drivers to stay attentive and adhere to the latest laws, regulations and best practices when behind the wheel.
Commercial Trucking Accidents
Commercial trucks are essential to our economy, but they also present a higher risk than smaller vehicles. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles require significantly more power, visibility, and dexterity when operating them. If these requirements aren’t met, the results can be tragic. It’s no surprise that if such heavy machinery is used negligently, the consequences for a vulnerable passenger car or pedestrian can be deadly. It’s for this reason that we entrust regulation of truck safety standards to the federal government – ensuring commercial operators adhere to strict protocols and remain vigilant on the road.
Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians can be some of the most devastating due to the lack of protection in these modes of transportation. It is critical that drivers operate their vehicles safely around these individuals to reduce wrongful death cases as a result of negligence. In many cases, the driver of the car is held liable for these types of accidents, which can result in hefty awards being paid out to the family of the deceased.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a serious issue, and wrongful death is the most damaging outcome of carelessness in healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have an undeniable duty to ensure adequate quality of care regardless of the patient’s financial means or insurance. Unfortunately, wrongful deaths still occur due to negligence by healthcare professionals, whether it be a misinterpreted diagnosis or a failure to follow safety protocols properly. As such, it is important for the loved ones of the victim to seek legal advice from knowledgeable attorneys who can help survivors take action against medical malpractice.
Workplace Deaths
Families who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of loved ones due to workplace accidents in Texas have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Employers are legally obligated to provide their workers with a safe environment that adheres to OSHA and other applicable regulations in order to reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and deaths. However, wrongful deaths can still occur despite reasonable safety measures. In these cases, wrongful death lawsuits may be filed by surviving family members on behalf of the deceased employee for compensation for their loss. Every wrongful death occurs by chance, but justice is not. Any wrongful death should be investigated and addressed in accordance with the law.
Defective Products
Defective products have been responsible for wrongful death and life-altering injuries in countless cases. A defective product can be the direct cause of the wrongful death of a loved one or the cause of serious injury resulting in disabilities or physical impairments. Although many manufacturers are held accountable for their negligence, all consumers must remain vigilant to ensure that they are not subjected to faulty and unsafe products. Furthermore, state and federal laws provide avenues for recourse in the event that a person has been injured or killed due to a dangerously defective product, but knowledge of these laws is critical in order to initiate legal action quickly.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney for a Wrongful Death Case
Bringing a wrongful death case to court or seeking justice for a loved one who was wrongfully killed is an emotionally and financially taxing process. For this reason, it’s best to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident has occurred in order to evaluate the case and determine what steps must be taken in order to receive compensation for the loss. As an attorney with numerous years of experience handling wrongful death cases, Pat Maloney can help you navigate the legal system and provide guidance on how to proceed with a wrongful death case.
Contact our firm today at (210) 226-8888 or fill out the online contact form to speak with a member of our team and learn about your rights to move forward!
Pat Maloney, Jr. is a skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyer who has acted as lead counsel and co-counsel in many multi-million dollar verdicts throughout Texas. Pat Maloney represents people injured in car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and more. He is well known for his expertise in representing victims of serious personal injuries and has participated as a lecturer in the field of personal injury litigation. He has been named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” Reference Book every year for the last five years.