Wrongful death is a type of personal injury case that involves the death of a person due to the negligent or willful actions of another. Wrongful death cases can also pair with a related but different type of lawsuit known as survival action to seek compensation for harm suffered by the deceased individual before the untimely death.

Surviving family members or the estate of the deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the guilty individual or company. Here are the common causes for wrongful death for which the estate or surviving members can file a lawsuit against the guilty party.

3 Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death - Overview

Wrongful death cases arise when an individual loses their life due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party. These tragic incidents can result from various circumstances, each involving unique legal complexities.

Understanding the most common causes of wrongful death can help surviving family members recognize when they might have a valid claim.

Typically, these causes include vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards seeking justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one.

Let's explain these causes below:

1. Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents can also one of the leading causes of wrongful deaths. A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that there were over 16,000 deaths due to crashes. The number of fatal vehicle crashes in California was over 3,500 last year.

The majority of the accidents occur due to disregard of the road safety rules by the driver. The fatalities due to truck, car, and motorcycle accidents often occur due to speeding, breaking the red light, and drunk driving. The negligent driver will be held liable for the wrongful death of any individual including other drivers, passengers, and

2. Workplace Accident

Occupations involving construction work and manual labor have a high risk of a workplace accident.

A wrongful death cases can arise if the employer did not take action to ensure the safety of the workers. An employer will be held liable for putting the employees in a dangerous situation that resulted in a death.

3. Defective Products

Wrongful death cases can also arise due to defective products. Manufacturers will be held liable if they knowingly produce a defective product that results in the death of individuals. They will also be held liable for wrongful death if they did not warn about the dangers of using the product.

Some of the examples of wrongful death due to defective products include toxic food, defect in automobile parts, unsafe toys, and defective pharmaceutical products.

Final Remarks

Wrongful death cases are profoundly challenging and emotionally taxing for surviving family members. Understanding the common causes of wrongful death—such as vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice—can help families recognize when they may have a legal claim.

The wrongful death attorneys at McCrary Accident Injury Law Firm can help you to determine your next course of action. Call (916) 579-7477 today to get in touch with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Rocklin, CA.