Wrongful deaths take the lives of thousands of people all over the country each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional deaths, including those caused by negligence, kill more people than cancer, heart disease and other fatal illnesses, making it the number one cause of death in the United States.
Wrongful death can take on many forms, and understanding their connection to negligent acts may help those left behind file a lawsuit or survival action.
Car accidents
Motor vehicle accidents that claim lives are often caused by negligence. Drivers may cause accidents due to a variety of negligent acts and poor decisions, including:
- Texting and driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding/disobeying traffic rules
Some states, such as Tennessee, operate under comparative fault laws if a death or injury occurs, so those who plan to file a wrongful death suit may want to speak to a lawyer about the circumstances of the accident before they proceed.
Falls
Instances of falls leading to death have increased over the past decade, making them the third most- common cause of unintentional death in the U.S. Negligent acts are often connected to these incidents, including companies that use faulty ladders and other equipment and those that fail to properly maintain stairs and walkways. Falls can result in traumatic brain injuries and lead to death, especially in the very old and the very young, who are usually more susceptible to such harm.
Instances of unintentional deaths increased in both rural and metro areas over the past several years. Those connected to negligent acts can affect almost any age and gender.
