Losing a loved one is never easy. It can be especially difficult when that loss is the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Wrongful death cases are tragic and complex, and navigating the legal system can be challenging. That’s why you need to hire the best wrongful death attorney possible to handle your case.
If you’re in New Orleans and have lost a loved one due to another party’s actions or negligence, it’s essential to understand the different types and examples of wrongful death. Keep reading to learn more.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
There are various types of these cases. Let’s take at the most common:
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, hospital, or other medical facility fails to provide adequate care, resulting in the death of the patient. Examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, and failure to diagnose a medical condition.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can lead to fatal injuries, especially in industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and failure to do so can result in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common cause of wrongful death cases. When a driver’s negligence or recklessness causes a fatal accident, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Product Liability
Product liability refers to cases in which a defective product causes someone’s death. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. If a defective product causes a death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Criminal Acts
Criminal acts such as assault, battery, and homicide can also result in a wrongful death lawsuit. In these cases, the perpetrator can be held liable for the victim’s death, and the victim’s family can seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Causes of Wrongful Death Cases
Now let’s look at the causes of these cases. After all, every wrongful death case is different.
Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances. For example, a doctor who fails to diagnose a medical condition, a driver who runs a red light, or an employer who fails to provide safety equipment can all be considered negligent.
Intentional Acts
Intentional acts, such as homicide or assault, can also result in a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases can involve criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits.
Strict Liability
Strict liability cases arise when someone is held responsible for a death, even if they were not negligent or intentional. For example, a manufacturer of a defective product can be held strictly liable for any deaths that result from the product’s use.
A Guide to Wrongful Death Cases
The pain of losing a loved one due to wrongful can last for years. That’s why it’s important to hire a skilled attorney for wrongful death cases to ensure you receive justice for your loss.
Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our wrongful death case specialists in New Orleans.