Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise in a wide variety of ways throughout the state of Illinois. The personal representatives of the deceased’s estate may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in the event the cause of death was due to the negligent actions of another individual, entity, or company. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common ways that we offer death claims arise.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death across the state of Illinois each year. During the latest reporting year we have on file, there were 1,195 total fatalities that resulted from vehicle accidents. Under this category of wrongful death causes, we have traditional vehicle versus vehicle accidents, incidents involving commercial motor vehicles such as larger trucks or buses, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more.
Premises Liability Incidents
Property owners all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises. Any person who has a right to be on someone else’s property also has the right to be safe when they are there. Unfortunately, there are times when property owners fail their duty to others, and this can lead to significant injuries. Various types of incidents can occur if a property owner fails to ensure safety, including slip and fall incidents, drowning or near drowning incidents, objects falling from shelves, hazardous chemicals left out, and more.
Dog or Animal Attacks
Dog and animal attacks can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Pet owners are required to maintain control over their animals, particularly if the animal is on public property or in an area where others have the right to be.
Defective Products
One look at the government recall website shows us that defective products make it into the homes of consumers and into businesses every day. This can include defective vehicles, vehicle parts, cosmetics, cleaners, prescription and over-the-counter medications, beverages, foods, toys, appliances, and more. If a product is defective due to a design defect, manufacturing error, or advertising problem, individuals can become seriously injured or sustain fatal injuries.
Workplace Accidents
The workplace can be dangerous, particularly for those involved and rather hazardous occupations. Some of the most dangerous occupations include the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural industries. However, any workplace has the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries if the employer fails to take the steps necessary to properly ensure the safety of employees.
Medical Mistakes
Johns Hopkins researchers claim that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US, stating that they are responsible for around 250,000 fatalities every year. Anytime a medical professional is negligent in their duties, this can lead to severe injuries, illnesses, or fatalities. Some of the most common causes of medical errors include surgical mistakes, failed or missed diagnoses, patient infections, medication errors, patient falls, and more.
Working With an Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of another individual or entity in the state of Illinois, reach out to a Chicago wrongful death attorney immediately. You need a lawyer who can examine the facts of your case and help explain the best route forward for your particular situation.