Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation in which a person dies as a result of the negligence, intentional action, or misconduct of another person or entity. The definition of wrongful death can vary by state, but generally, it is a civil action brought by the survivors or beneficiaries of the deceased person.
A wrongful death case can arise in a variety of situations, including medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and criminal acts. In these cases, the person or entity responsible for the death can be held liable for damages, including medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.
Importance of Understanding Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases are important because they provide a legal remedy for those who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. These cases can also help to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and can prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Understanding the legal issues surrounding wrongful death cases is important for both lawyers and the general public. For lawyers, it is important to understand the legal standards for proving liability and damages in wrongful death cases, as well as the procedural rules for filing a lawsuit.
For the general public, understanding wrongful death cases can help individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm. By understanding the risks associated with certain activities or situations, individuals can take steps to avoid these risks and hold responsible parties accountable if an incident does occur.
For example, if a construction worker is killed on the job due to the negligence of a contractor or property owner, the worker’s family may have a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. In this case, the family may be able to recover damages for the worker’s lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, as well as compensation for the family’s loss of companionship.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases can arise in a variety of situations, but the following are some of the most common causes that we see here at KaplunMarx:
A. Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a leading cause of wrongful death in the United States. Medical malpractice can occur in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. Examples of medical malpractice that can lead to wrongful death include misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a serious condition, surgical errors, medication errors, and failure to properly monitor a patient’s condition.
B. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of wrongful death. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted drivers, and reckless drivers are all examples of individuals whose actions can result in a fatal accident. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also at risk of being killed in a motor vehicle accident.
C. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can also result in wrongful death. In some cases, workers are killed in accidents involving heavy machinery or other equipment. In other cases, workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals or other dangerous substances that can cause serious illnesses and death.
D. Defective Products
Defective products can also cause wrongful death. Manufacturers and distributors have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe for consumers to use. When a product is defective and causes injury or death, the manufacturer or distributor can be held liable for damages.
E. Criminal Acts
Criminal acts can also result in wrongful death. Homicide is the intentional killing of another person and is a criminal act that can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. In addition, individuals and entities that fail to provide adequate security or safety measures can also be held liable for wrongful death resulting from criminal acts, such as assault or robbery.
In conclusion, the causes of wrongful death are varied, but all share the common thread of being the result of the negligence, intentional action, or misconduct of another person or entity. By understanding the causes of wrongful death, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones, and can seek justice in the event that a tragic incident occurs.
Common Legal Issues in Wrongful Death Cases
A. Burden of Proof
In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff (usually a surviving family member or the executor of the deceased person’s estate) has the burden of proving that the defendant (the person or entity being sued) is responsible for the death. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions (or inaction) directly caused the death and that the defendant was negligent, intentionally caused harm, or violated a legal duty owed to the deceased.
B. Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations are laws that place a time limit on when a lawsuit can be filed. In wrongful death cases, there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the deadline varies depending on the state and the circumstances of the case. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that the lawsuit is filed within the appropriate time frame.
C. Damages
In wrongful death cases, damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the loss of their loved one. Damages can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. The amount of damages awarded in a wrongful death case can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case.
D. Wrongful Death Lawsuits vs. Criminal Cases
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case that is brought by the surviving family members of the deceased person. The goal of the lawsuit is to obtain compensation for the family’s losses as a result of the death. In contrast, a criminal case is brought by the government, and the goal is to punish the person who caused the death. In some cases, a person may be charged with a crime and also face a wrongful death lawsuit.
Legal issues in wrongful death cases can be complex and difficult to navigate. It is important to consult with an experienced KaplunMarx attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. By understanding the burden of proof, statutes of limitations, damages, and the differences between wrongful death lawsuits and criminal cases, you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.
Examples of Wrongful Death Cases
Amtrak Train Derailment in Philadelphia (2015) – Case No. MDL No. 2654
On May 12, 2015, Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 derailed in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, killing eight people and injuring over 200. The cause of the accident was found to be the train’s engineer operating the train at twice the posted speed limit as the train entered a curve.
Numerous wrongful death lawsuits were filed against Amtrak, including one consolidated case known as MDL No. 2654. The plaintiffs argued that Amtrak was responsible for the accident due to its failure to implement positive train control, a safety system designed to automatically slow or stop trains in the event of an emergency. The case resulted in a $265 million settlement for the victims and their families.
Building Collapse in Philadelphia (2013) – Case No. 130700720
On June 5, 2013, a building located at 22nd and Market Streets in Philadelphia collapsed, killing six people and injuring thirteen. The building was being demolished by a contractor and the collapse was found to be due to structural deficiencies and failure to follow safety procedures.
Numerous wrongful death lawsuits were filed by the families of the victims against the contractor, building owner, and others involved in the demolition. The case resulted in a $227 million settlement, the largest personal injury settlement in Pennsylvania history.
Medical Malpractice Case in Philadelphia (2017) – Case No. 150602542
In this case, a 30-year-old woman died following complications from a heart transplant at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The plaintiff, the woman’s husband, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital and the surgeon who performed the transplant.
The plaintiff alleged that the surgeon failed to properly monitor the woman and that the hospital had a history of inadequate care and a lack of oversight. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount before going to trial.
In conclusion, wrongful death cases can arise from a variety of circumstances, from train accidents to medical malpractice. These cases are often complex and require the expertise of experienced attorneys to navigate the legal system and obtain justice for the victims and their families. The above case studies demonstrate the impact that wrongful death can have on individuals and communities and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
