Trying to deal with the death of a loved one can be extremely difficult. The grieving process for someone close to you can be even more intense when their death was the result of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence. While there are probably a lot of things on your mind, it is important to know that in these types of situations, it can be possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Even though it can’t change the horrible tragedy that occurred, financial compensation and closure are two of the main reasons that many people choose to follow this path. Although you may still be on the fence about whether or not you want to proceed with this type of lawsuit, it’s still work taking the time to speak with a trusted personal injury attorney.
By getting in touch with a lawyer who specializes in this area, you’ll be able to discuss the specifics of your situation and get insight into how this process works. And because a Delaware wrongful death lawyer understands the sensitive nature of this situation, you can count on them to treat you with compassion and respect. Throughout the course of your case, they will protect your best interests and fight to secure what you deserve to receive.
Causes Behind Wrongful Death Cases
The definition of a wrongful death case is when an individual is killed as a result of someone else’s misconduct or negligence. When a person is killed in this manner, anyone who was a beneficiary or dependent on that person may have an opportunity to collect monetary damages.
Because the definition of wrongful death is fairly broad, there are numerous scenarios that fall under this label. Fatal vehicle accidents are one of the most common. In addition to standard car crashes, a wrongful death attorney in Delaware can also represent a family if they lost someone as a result of a trucking accident. Traffic accidents in general, including motorcycle accidents, can lead to a wrongful death claim.
Anesthesia malpractice can occur if an anesthesiologist doesn’t perform their duties properly and ultimately administers a dose that’s fatal. There are also multiple scenarios that can fall under emergency room medical malpractice. Prematurely discharging a patient, misdiagnosing a condition or performing a surgical error are just a few examples of what can go wrong in this setting.
In a more general way, medical malpractice cases can become wrongful death cases. If a patient is misdiagnosed and doesn’t get life-saving medical treatment in time, for example, the family may be able to launch a claim. Hospital accidents and neglect in a clinical setting can also result in a legal claim.
There are other cases that can result in wrongful death claims, including:
- Nursing home abuse and neglect — Nursing homes, retirement homes and assisted living facilities can be held liable if a resident falls, gets inadequate care, or is allowed to wander off and results in a fatality.
- Child injury and accident cases — Schools, daycares and nannies all have a responsibly to take care of children. Cases of extreme neglect, abuse and negligence sometimes lead to wrongful death claims, as well as cases of shaken baby syndrome.
- Pool injury cases — Both public pools and pools on private property should be protected so small children and others can’t easily access the pool area. If a pool area isn’t correctly secured and a child drowns as a result, a wrongful death claim can sometimes be pursued.
- Workplace injuries — Each year, workers are killed on the job because their workplaces are unsafe. In these situations, it’s sometimes possible to pursue a legal claim.
- Negligent security – Inadequate security can allow criminals to enter an area and harm people, in some cases causing serious harm or fatalities. Poor security can also allow violence to occur in workplaces and public settings, which can also be the basis of a claim.
- Negligent maintenance – There are many examples of poor negligence leading to fatalities. Poorly secured balconies, for example, can cause life-ending falls, while poorly maintained stairs can lead to stair collapse and fatalities. Inadequate maintenance can cause floors to cave or ceiling tiles to fall, potentially leading to life-threatening head injuries.
No amount of money can truly compensate for what it’s like to lose a loved one. That being said, financial compensation can help with practical matters and ensure that even more hardship isn’t brought into your life as a result of this event.
A personal loss can affect your family for years to come. You may be deprived of companionship, and dependent family members – such as children or elderly parents – may lose financial support. You may face significant final medical costs and funeral expenses as well. If the loved one was a spouse, you may find your household income abruptly cut by half. Pursuing a wrongful death claim in Delaware with the help of our attorneys won’t stop the grieving process, but it can help you seek out the financial resources you need to start healing as a family. It can pay for the costs of losing a loved one so you can focus on each other.
Contact a Delaware Wrongful Death Attorney
Working with a Delaware wrongful death lawyer will allow you to aggressively pursue fair compensation for your suffering. Let one of our attorneys explain your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect your family members. To have a consultation about your loss and case, contact our team today.