5 Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death happens when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or failure to act. The most common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, truck collisions, unsafe property conditions, and public hazards.

Families often pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional damages. A wrongful death lawyer in Richmond can support surviving family members during the legal process of filing a lawsuit and holding the responsible party accountable.

Understanding Wrongful Death and Its Impact

Wrongful death claims are a way for families to seek justice after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligent actions. These claims address both the emotional and financial effects of the loss while helping to clarify the legal responsibilities of the at-fault party.

Defining Wrongful Death

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another person or party’s negligent act. This can include anything from driver error to defective products. The at-fault party may be held legally responsible through a civil lawsuit filed by the deceased’s personal representative.

Purpose of a Wrongful Death Claim for Families

A wrongful death claim is not just about holding someone accountable. It provides financial relief to family members who suffer emotional and financial hardships due to the loss. Settlements may cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages. These claims aim to restore some sense of stability to those affected.

By understanding what a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia entails, families can make informed decisions as they move forward in a difficult time. Each case is different, but they all share the same goal: to bring justice and relief to those left behind.

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1. Car Accidents: Distracted Driving, Reckless Driving, and Driver Error

Vehicle collisions are one of the most common causes of wrongful death. Car accidents often happen because of negligence behind the wheel, such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior.

Common causes include:

Texting or using a phone while driving
Driving under the influence
Disobeying traffic signals
Falling asleep at the wheel

These incidents can result in fatal injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. Police reports, accident documentation, and witness statements are vital for establishing liability in these cases.

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2. The Dangers of Commercial Vehicles and Semi-trucks

Truck accidents, especially those involving semi-trucks, can lead to devastating consequences. Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles are more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities.

Factors in truck accident wrongful deaths include:

Driver fatigue from long shifts
Mechanical failures or lack of maintenance
Poor training or driver inexperience
Improperly loaded cargo

Truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties, including trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers. Investigating these crashes often requires detailed evidence, including maintenance records and black box data.

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3. Medical Malpractice: When Professional Care Fails

Medical negligence is a significant contributor to wrongful death cases. These often occur in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.

Here are some examples of potentially fatal medical errors:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Surgical errors
Prescription and medication mistakes
Anesthesia errors
Infections due to poor hygiene or inadequate infection control

Healthcare professionals have a duty of care to their patients. When that duty is breached, and it results in death, families may seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

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4. Premises Liability: Dangerous Conditions on Property

Property owners are expected to maintain safe environments. When they fail to address hazards, people can suffer fatal injuries. You may have a premises liability case if your situation involves:

Falls due to broken stairs or uneven surfaces
Electrocution or fire risks
Inadequate security in buildings
Collapsing structures or heavy objects

Wrongful death claims under premises liability can be filed against landlords, business owners, or property managers. Families may seek damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other losses.

5. Hazards in Public Spaces

In some cases, wrongful deaths occur in public areas such as parks, malls, or transit stations. These cases often involve poor maintenance or a lack of proper safety measures.

Common public space hazards include:

Poorly lit walkways or stairwells
Broken security systems
Unattended flooding or electrical hazards
Unsafe crowd control during large events

Municipal entities and private companies can be liable if their lack of oversight leads to fatal accidents. Gathering witness testimony and visual evidence is important for supporting such claims.

Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Richmond Can Answer All Your Questions

Losing someone due to a preventable incident is devastating. Families are often left dealing with financial burdens, emotional distress, and legal confusion. If you believe your loved one died due to negligence, you may have legal options.

It is important to understand who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia. A wrongful death attorney can explain your rights and determine whether you are eligible to file a claim. They can review medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.

At The Pendleton Law Team, we are here to empower you and your family during this incredibly painful period. We know that nothing can bring back your loved one, but we will help you move forward and fight for financial justice on your and your loved one’s behalf. Reach out now to learn why thousands of clients have trusted us with their civil legal matters.

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