Causes of Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one can be extremely painful. That heartache is compounded if the death was the result of someone’s negligent, reckless, or irresponsible actions. In these situations, it’s important to consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit following the loss of a loved one. Kirkland, WA attorneys Matthew Quick and Elizabeth M. Quick can help.
The team at Quick Law Group, PLLC would like to consider some of the most common types of incidents that lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. When possible, we’ll offer some eye opening and sobering statistics.
Auto Accidents
Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians can all lead to the tragic loss of life. These accident might have been the result of drivers who were speeding, intoxicated while operating the vehicle, or distracted as they were driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 37,133 deaths as a result of motor vehicle collisions in 2017.
Medical Negligence and Mistakes
When a doctor, surgeon, or nurse makes a major mistake during medical treatment, the results can be disastrous. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, a failure to diagnose a terminal illness, a contraindication from prescribed medications, or a surgical mistake, the loss of a loved one’s life due to avoidable errors is unacceptable.
In 2016, NPR cited a John Hopkins study about medical errors that estimated more than 250,000 Americans die each year because of medical mistakes.
Defective Products
We expect the products we use to be safe for consumers. This goes for kitchen items and consumer electronics to power tools and motor vehicles. However, issues with product design, manufacturing errors, and a lack of warning labels could result in the loss of life. Our Kirkland attorneys have helped clients who’ve lost loved ones because of dangerous products.
Workplace Injury Accidents
Your workplace may be more dangerous than you realize. Even people who don’t work in construction or industrial fields may still suffer serious injuries and even fatalities while on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 5,147 workers died on the job in 2017.
Serious Falls
Having a bad fall can lead to the loss of life. This is particularly true if the person who fell is elderly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that each year, around 3 million elderly people suffer from a fall that requires hospitalization; 1 in 5 of these falls results in a serious injury that could be life-threatening.
Criminal Acts
Finally, criminal acts could result in the death of a loved one. Physical violence against another person carries criminal consequences, though loved ones can also file a civil case against the perpetrator to address the hardship and losses associated with the untimely death of a loved one.
Damages Sought in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Our Kirkland wrongful death attorneys will help you recover compensatory and punitive damages in a wrongful death case. Compensatory damages are intended to cover the financial and material loss associated with a loved one’s death, while punitive damages will punish the person responsible for the senseless loss of life.
Speak with Skilled Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you would like more information about your legal options after the loss of a loved one, be sure to contact our wrongful death attorneys. You can schedule a legal consultation at Quick Law Group, PLLC by calling (425) 576-8150.