The 5 Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

In order for a civil wrongful death claim to be successful, it must be shown that a person lost their life due to the careless, negligent, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. There are various parties that may be able to file these claims in civil court, and family members are often able to recover compensation and closure for their losses. Wrongful death cases arise in various ways throughout the state of Georgia.

1. Vehicle Accidents

Each year, vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death across the state of Georgia. The vast majority of vehicle accidents are caused by the careless or negligent actions of one or more drivers on the roadway. The umbrella of types of vehicle accidents expands far beyond the traditional vehicle versus vehicle incident. This can also include accidents involving semi-trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It is crucial for family members of those who die as a result of negligent driving to recover compensation for their losses, and vehicle insurance typically does not provide the types of payment needed.

2. Medical Malpractice

Medical mistakes occur in a wide variety of ways throughout the state of Georgia. This includes a failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, medication errors, early discharge, surgical mistakes, anesthesia mistakes, patient slip and fall incidents, and more. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the country. 

3. Workplace Accidents

Data available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates that 5,333 workers died on the job during the latest reporting year across this country. Workplace fatalities can occur in a wide variety of ways, and they can happen in any type of work environment. However, there are certain industries in Georgia where workers face higher risks of injuries and fatalities than others. This includes construction, transportation, agriculture, forestry, public safety, and more.

4. Faulty Products

All consumers in Georgia should be able to count on the products that they purchase. Unfortunately, faulty products do make it into our homes. This can include defective toys, electronics, cosmetics, medications, appliances, furniture, tools, and more. When a person uses or consumes a defective product, this can lead to significant injuries and even fatalities. It is crucial for family members to be able to hold companies and manufacturers liable for defective product deaths. 

5. Intentional Acts of Violence

One common misconception is that wrongful death civil lawsuits cannot move forward if a person is facing criminal charges for the death. This is not true. It is entirely possible for the family members of the deceased to file a civil wrongful death claim against a person who is facing murder or manslaughter charges. Some of the most common acts of violence that lead to wrongful death claims include physical assaults, shootings, and stabbings.

Working With an Attorney

If you have lost a loved one due to the careless, negligent, or intentional actions of another person or entity in Georgia, you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer will help you through this difficult time. They will offer a free examination of your case and make a plan moving forward towards recovering compensation for your losses.