Menu
what is wrongful death

What Is Wrongful Death? A Brief Guide

VWB Blog 2 years ago 7

In the United States, over 24,000 people die every year due to violence and murder.

This represents a fraction of the possible wrongful death lawsuits every year. Many other deaths could classify to be a wrongful death. This may lead you to question, what is wrongful death?

Let’s look at what wrongful death means and what you can do about it.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

To receive monetary compensation for the death of a loved one, you have to start a suit. A wrongful death lawsuit gets filed because the death was due to misconduct or negligence. If that can be proved, the case will result in the defendant paying.

Proving wrongful death requires a preponderance of the evidence. This can include murder victims, and the bar of proof is lower. Even if someone gets found innocent at a murder trial, that does not mean they can’t be held accountable for wrongful death.

A wrongful death attorney will be able to take a look at the facts of your case and offer you a consultation. They will know whether or not your case will stand up in court.

Examples of Misconduct

Misconduct can mean a lot of different things. While negligence is a lack of action, misconduct is taking the wrong action. This is also why people who commit murder can also be sued by their victim’s families.

Wrongful death is often wrapped up in misconduct. This could be someone who strikes another, causing them to fall and die or a nurse that fails to strap an elderly patient in a wheelchair.

Examples of Negligence

Causing someone to die through negligence is one of the main reasons someone might make a wrongful death claim. This can be a building owner who neglected maintenance or a driver who wasn’t paying attention. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic example of negligence to qualify.

Failing to call 911 in a reasonable amount of time could lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. The same as leaving a child in a hot car that results in its death. All these are examples where someone’s inaction contributed to the death of another.

Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death lawyer is a lawyer who is versed in wrongful death law and case studies. They understand how the system works and can represent you so you can receive just compensation. They will often be a part or also practice personal injury law as they go hand in hand.

If you’re looking for a lawyer that can represent you in a wrongful death suit, or a personal injury claim you can learn more here.

What Is Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a civil action that you can use in the unfortunate event of a death. It ensures that those who are responsible for the death of your loved one have to pay. Now that you know the answer to what is wrongful death, you can see if it applies in your life.

If this article was interesting or helpful, please take a moment and check out our website.

Written By