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Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

February 2, 2021
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A sudden wrongful death is always a tragedy for both the deceased and their loved ones. Not only is it a premature, untimely end, but one that family and friends often have little time to prepare for as opposed to a terminal illness, creating additional shock and pain for those involved. If you lost a loved one to such an incident, you are likely facing devastating losses.

We hope you know your legal rights and recourse toward holding the negligent party(s) accountable. You are entitled to receive compensation for your damages, just as you’re entitled to receive the closure you deserve. Below are some of the most common accidents that result in wrongful death cases and precisely what you can do about them.

Vehicle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 36,000 fatal motor vehicle crashes occur in the U.S. each year. Though today’s cars and commercial trucks are designed with more safety in mind than ever before, tragedies can still arise. These tragedies could stem from a myriad of causes, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe road conditions
  • Mechanical failures
  • Driver error

With bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrian collisions, the fatality rate is even worse. Per the NHTSA, motorcyclists alone are 28 times more likely to be killed in accidents than passenger vehicle drivers. Because of how exposed their body is, a cyclist or pedestrian is subject to a far more direct impact force than a driver. Almost always, these accidents stem from motorist or safety negligence.

Workplace Accidents

Due to the dangerous working conditions of certain jobs, employees may be subject to a greater risk of death resulting from an accident. This is particularly common in more hands-on, blue-collar jobs, where employees are operating heavy machinery and working under more precarious conditions. If you work in such a role, here are some common safety risks you’ll want to watch out for:

  • Electrocution
  • Falls
  • Fires
  • Object collisions
  • Sharp objects 
  • Getting stuck

Even though these tragedies can sometimes be a sadly unavoidable reality on the job, third parties also should be responsible and perform to the best of their ability. If you believe your loved one’s workplace death was caused by a third party’s negligence, then you may be entitled to file a claim for damages.

Defective Products or Trees

In some cases, the party liable for your loved one’s wrongful death may not be a person, but an entity. Products can be defective, short out, or malfunction, and these defects can sometimes lead to tragedy. From defective vehicle components to children’s toys to contaminated food and medication, even the slightest safety hazard could pose dire consequences. Bogaards Law has represented the sons of a mother who was killed when a tree limb from a diseased eucalyptus tree on a city path fell on her, resulting in her instant death.

Discuss Your Rights with a San Francisco Wrongful Death Attorney

If you believe your loved one’s wrongful death stemmed from negligence, you don’t have to brave that struggle alone. At Bogaards Law, we’ve regularly represented Bay Area clients who’ve experienced some senseless and preventable tragedies. We’ll help you navigate every step of your fight for the compensation, accountability, and closure you deserve. 

With nearly four decades of experience under our belts, the Bogaards Law team will do everything in their power to deliver results. Contact us today to learn more through a free initial case evaluation. 

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