Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Colorado

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injury is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in over 200,000 fatalities annually. Wrongful death is a legal claim that arises when someone dies because of another party’s negligence or intentional action. Of course, not every unintentional death is wrongful. But when negligence is involved, the victim’s loved ones are entitled to pursue compensation. While money will never make up for your loved one’s death, a wrongful death claim may help you make ends meet and get some closure.   

Top Causes of Wrongful Death in the U.S.

Wrongful death claims result from numerous types of tragedies. Some common causes of wrongful death—for instance, when a drunk driver causes a fatal car crash—are easy to identify. Others, such as deaths caused by defective products, can be more complicated to discover and prove. You should always consult a skilled wrongful death attorney who can review your case and help you determine if you have a viable wrongful death claim. 

Motor Vehicle, Motorcycle, and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

All motorists are obliged to obey traffic laws. They must also operate their vehicles with caution and regard for the safety of others. When drivers disregard safety and traffic laws, it often leads to wrongful death. In fact, distracted, aggressive, and drunk or impaired drivers are among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Bikes and pedestrians are relatively small and less visible than cars and other vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists also do not benefit from the protection afforded by a vehicle’s frame and safety features. This decreased visibility and lack of protection make bike riders and pedestrians more vulnerable to accidents resulting in wrongful death.  

Workplace Accidents

While workplace accidents can result in a workers’ compensation claim, a fatal on-the-job accident or illness may also lead to a wrongful death claim. Work-related accidents that commonly result in the death of employees include explosions, falls, equipment accidents, and burns, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and mining industries.

Medical Malpractice

If a medical practitioner’s failure to meet their standard of care caused your loved one’s death, you might have a medical malpractice case for their wrongful death. Not all medical errors equate to malpractice. However, some common examples of medical malpractice include missing a diagnosis, misdiagnosing a problem, making a surgical error, prescription errors, or even medical equipment malfunctions.

Premises Liability Accidents

Property owners are legally responsible for keeping their properties hazard-free so that visitors are not injured. When property owners fail to do so, and injury from falling objects, a slip-and-fall accident, or other premises liability misfortunes result in death, the property owner may be liable.

Product Liability Accidents

Products may be defective due to poor design, improper manufacturing, malfunctioning safety features, or a failure to adequately warn users of a potential hazard. Designers, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers must minimize the risk of their products harming the public. When they fail to uphold this duty, and their defective products fatally injure someone, it can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit.

Drownings, boating accidents, and criminal acts are also common causes of wrongful death. However, anytime a person or entity’s negligence causes someone’s death, the deceased person’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you determine whether you have a wrongful death claim and the next best steps to take.

The Right Law Firm in Your Time of Need

At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we understand the toll a wrongful death takes on a victim’s family. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with compassionate and attentive representation. Our experienced attorneys and staff will work tirelessly to address the complex financial and emotional issues you may be facing. If your loved one was the victim of wrongful death, we will answer your questions, investigate your case, negotiate with the other side, and stand by you until we reach a resolution that provides you with the support you deserve.

With over 100 years of combined experience handling accident cases and 30 years of practice under our belts, we have the skill and dedication needed to help you fight for justice. We’ve obtained over $100 million in verdicts and settlements because we never lose sight of our number one priority—our clients’ well-being. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.