No tragedy can match the devastation of a losing a loved one. This is especially true if the death is unexpected.
Unfortunately, this scenario is surprisingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental injuries killed 130,557 people in 2011.
If a person dies due to the negligence of another person or organization, the surviving family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. A personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a lawsuit for damages such as health-care costs, burial expenses, lost income, loss of inheritance, and pain and suffering.
The type of accident that causes the wrongful death typically does not matter. However, the plaintiff and his or her personal-injury lawyer must prove that the defendant’s wrongful or negligent actions caused the death.
A New York City personal-injury lawyer from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience litigating personal-injury claims. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn about four of the most common causes of wrongful deaths:
- Car Wrecks
Car accidents cause more wrongful deaths than any other factor. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30,203 people died in motor-vehicle crashes in 2013. If your loved one died due to a drunk, drugged, speeding or otherwise negligent driver in New York, contact a personal-injury lawyer from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP.
- Medical Malpractice
According to the Washington Post, medical errors might be the third leading cause of death in the United States. Common examples of medical malpractice include:
- Operating on the wrong side of a patient’s body;
- Operating on the wrong patient;
- Giving patients the wrong medication;
- Dispensing expired medication;
- Leaving surgical tools inside patients;
- And birth injuries.
- Violent Crimes
If someone killed your loved one in a violent and illegal act, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. The defendants in these cases often face criminal trials in addition to civil cases. Even if a defendant is found not-guilty in the criminal trial, he or she may still have to pay damages to the plaintiffs in the civil case.
- Defective Products
Defective auto parts, sports gear, recreation equipment, cooking appliances and other products can be deadly. Defects can happen during the design, manufacturing, distribution or selling of a product. If a person dies while using a product for its intended purpose or because the item has inadequate instructions, the party that caused the defect may be liable for damages.
If your loved one died due to a negligent driver or health-care worker, the violent act of another person, or a defective product, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. A New York City injury lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your personal well-being. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.