Losing a loved one is one of the most jarring experiences that a person can go through, especially when the death isn’t the result of natural causes. When a death occurs, surviving loved ones may have feelings of grief, anger, and a need for justice. While nothing can be done to bring your loved one back, filing a wrongful death lawsuit may provide a sense of closure, as well as provide your family with the monetary damages you need and deserve.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you have a wrongful death case, note that wrongful death cases are allowable when the wrongful or neglectful actions of one party lead to the death of another. Consider these following examples of wrongful death cases to get a better understanding of whether or not you have a case, and call our experienced lawyers at the office of Henness & Haight for a free consultation–
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of accidents and deaths in most states in the nation, including Nevada. If a car accident happened that took your loved one’s life, you may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible if you can prove that the accident wouldn’t have occurred but for the at-fault party’s actions.
Examples of negligent actions that can lead to car accidents include, but are not limited to, speeding, reckless driving, driving while impaired, fatigued driving, distracted driving, and driving aggressively. In addition to wrongful death claims that emerge from standard motor vehicle accidents, truck and commercial vehicle accidents that are fatal may also give rise to a wrongful death cause of action.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
If a pedestrian or a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle, especially one that is traveling fast, the chances are grim that the pedestrian or bicyclist will survive. Like other types of accidents involving motor vehicles, the surviving family members of the decedent can bring forth a wrongful death claim against the party responsible. This may be the driver of the motor vehicle involved, or another party, such as the party responsible for traffic light maintenance.
Medical Malpractice
One of the most tragic and shocking causes of death is a death that happens at the hands of a trusted medical professional. Tragically, however, medical mistakes are a leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in more than 250,000 deaths per year.
If medical malpractice–the failure to exercise the same standard of care that would be performed by another medical professional of a similar background and training in the same situation–was the cause of your loved one’s death, you may be able to bring a wrongful death action against the healthcare provider or hospital.
Dangerous Drug-, Product-, and Medical Device-Related Deaths
Another shocking death may be one that occurs as a result of using a product that the user assumed was safe, such as a prescription medication, a consumer product, or a medical device. When defective products lead to deaths, a wrongful death suit can be filed against the responsible party – often a product manufacturer.
Premises Liability Accidents
All property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties in a reasonably safe condition, and yet accidents occur all of the time, ranging from slip and fall accidents to drowning incidents to acts of violent crime and more. If an accident would not have occurred but for the property owner’s duty to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition (which might include providing a reasonable level of security), then a wrongful death action could be brought against the property owner.
Are There Any Other Types of Wrongful Death Cases?
The above provides a brief overview of some of the most common types of wrongful death cases; however, the list is not inclusive. Again, per Nevada wrongful death statute section 41.085, if the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, the heirs and personal representatives of that person maintain the right to pursue a wrongful death action.
Our Nevada Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
If you have questions about wrongful death cases in our state and what your rights are if you have lost a loved one, our Nevada wrongful death lawyers can help. We understand how delicate and personal these matters are, and will approach your case with the sensitivity it deserves. Please call us today or send us a message directly to request a free consultation and learn more.