When we lose those closest to us, we struggle to make sense of our loss. The tragedy can be compounded if our loss was preventable, especially if it was the fault of somebody else’s negligence.
When violence or malicious intent was the cause of a death, the person or persons responsible will usually be held accountable through criminal charges. However, if a person’s error, irresponsibility or carelessness caused your loved one’s death, that person can be held accountable through what is known as a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims are similar to personal injury claims in that victims seek financial compensation for their losses. These two claims differ in the fact that the victims in personal injury claims are usually the ones seeking compensation, while victims in wrongful death claims are surviving family members.
The Connecticut wrongful death attorneys at Ronald M. Scherban, P.C. have represented many clients seeking justice in the form of wrongful death claims. We can tell you that, while nothing can truly fill the void left by the passing of a family member, these claims can keep your family from a terrible financial fallout and make sure that those responsible face some form of accountability.
Examples of Negligence in Wrongful Death Claims
- Vehicle Accidents – Driver error is responsible for the vast majority of all vehicle accidents. Driver negligence can include drunk driving, distracted driving, drowsy driving, reckless driving, speeding, disobeying traffic signs or improper changing of lanes.
- Medical Malpractice – Unfortunately, mistakes in the medical field happen with regularity. Common errors include prescription errors, misdiagnosis and surgical errors. If a doctor or nurse fails to recognize a patient’s medical problems or treats a patient carelessly, the results can be disastrous for that patient.
- Workplace Accidents – Employers have certain responsibilities to their employees. For example, all workers have the right to a safe workplace. Workers should also be thoroughly trained for their jobs and the equipment they’ll be using. If an unsafe workplace was the cause of a worker’s death, the employer might be held accountable in a wrongful death claim.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims
The loss of a family member causes incredible pain and suffering for survivors. It also burdens survivors with incredible financial costs, including medical bills and funeral expenses. If the deceased was also a primary earner in the family, their passing has an even greater financial impact on surviving family members. In these cases, wrongful death claims can also include loss of income stemming from the passing of the deceased. These are just a few of the ways that wrongful death claims can aid families struggling from the fallout of losing their loved one.
