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Wrongful death refers to any fatality that occurs as a result of another individual or corporation's negligence, recklessness or intentional harm. Families of those who have experienced a wrongful death will be entitled to compensation for their funeral expenses, as well as their pain and suffering.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
• aircraft accidents
• car and bus accidents
• exposure to known toxins (including asbestos and benzene)
• medical malpractice
• railroad accidents
• recalled (or unsafe) medications
• slip-and-fall accidents
• unsafe products
• work-related accidents
To win compensation for one of the above, plaintiffs must:
• File their claim and all necessary court documents within their state's statute of limitations (A statute of limitations is a legally binding guideline for how long individuals have to pursue compensation before their claim expires).
• Be able to prove that the wrongful death was the result of another's negligence or recklessness.
Consult these statistics, compiled by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), for a better idea of the prevalence of wrongful deaths. In a given year:
• About 91,000 patients die following preventable medical mistakes.
• Around 7,000 patient deaths occur as the result of medication complications and/or side effects.
• Approximately 5,800 individuals die in work-related accidents.
• Nearly 20,000 slip-and-fall deaths occur.
• Over 17,400 people die in DUI-related accidents.
• Over 45,000 deaths occur in car accidents (with over 5,000 of these wrongful deaths taking place in truck accidents).
Loved ones of wrongful death victims should set up an initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this meeting, prospective plaintiffs can:
• Find out if they have a provable legal claim.
• Get a better understanding of the process associated with winning a personal injury lawsuit.
• Learn more about settlements in cases similar to their own.
• Get advice about whether filing an individual case of joining a class-action lawsuit is better for their needs and situations.
Most wrongful death lawyers offer these initial consultations for free, as a way to encourage loved ones of wrongful death victims to seek the compensation they deserve.
With the help of a wrongful death attorney, plaintiffs will benefit from:
• Access to a network of experts who will verify their wrongful death claims when testimony is needed in legal proceedings.
• Professional representation in court, arbitration and/or mediation proceedings.
• Help negotiating with corporate lawyers and dealing with insurance agents.
• Delayed payment for legal services, as most wrongful death lawyers work on contingency.
Has your loved one suffered a wrongful death? If so, contact a wrongful death lawyer today to talk to an experienced wrongful death lawyer who will help you evaluate, file and win your personal injury lawsuit.
Search for a Personal Injury lawyer in your state or province by using the forms to the right.
January 7, 2009 - Texas Workplace Safety Hazards Result in Death
January 6, 2009 - Illinois Woman Files Wrongful Death Suit
December 2, 2008 - Family Wins $3M in Wrongful Death Settlement
Wrongful Death Law - Wrongful death law information for individuals and small businesses written by lawyers but in easy to understand legal terms
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