Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases can occur in any number of ways, including car, truck, and motorcycle collisions, workplace accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises and product liability mishaps, and medical malpractice. There are many ways that a person can die as a result of someone else’s negligence. For example, car crashes alone claimed the lives of almost 43,000 people in the United States in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Medical malpractice and workplace accidents are also leading causes of wrongful death each year. If your loved one has died because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, a Columbia wrongful death lawyer could help you file a civil lawsuit on their behalf. Reach out to our skilled attorneys today.
What Exactly is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as a death that occurs as a result of the negligence or recklessness of another person. This can take many forms, including, but not limited to:
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death due to medical malpractice can occur when a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide the standard of care that is expected in their field, and this results in the death of a patient. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and prescription errors, among other things. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), it is estimated that every year over 90,000 Americans die as a result of preventable medical errors. That includes 7,000 deaths due to errors in prescription medications.
Vehicular accidents
As mentioned above, car crashes are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. These collisions can occur as a result of many different factors, including drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and recklessness.
Workplace Accidents
Wrongful death can also occur as a result of workplace accidents. These incidents can occur in any type of workplace but are more common in certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Workplace accidents can happen for many reasons, including unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, and human error.
Slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall mishaps can happen anywhere, at any time. They are often the result of a property owner’s negligence in failing to maintain a safe environment. For example, if there is a spill on the floor of a grocery store and the store fails to clean it up, and someone slips and falls as a result, the store could be held liable. These accidents can often result in serious injuries or even death. If you lost your family member in an avoidable accident, a hardworking attorney in Columbia could review the circumstances of the case and proceed with a negligent death claim.
How Does a Wrongful Death Claim Qualify as a Personal Injury Claim?
For wrongful death to qualify as a personal injury claim, the following elements must be present:
- The passing of a person
- The death must have been caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person
- There must be surviving family members who have suffered damages as a result of the death
If these elements are present, then the surviving family members may be able to file a personal injury claim for wrongful death.
What Are Your Rights if You’ve Lost a Loved One Due to a Wrongful Death?
In general, a wrongful death claim is a personal injury claim filed on behalf of someone who has died because of another person or entity’s negligence. In this scenario, the surviving family members are entitled to bring a claim against the person or entity responsible for the death. This includes compensation for things like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and loss of income. It’s important to know that a wrongful death claim in Missouri must be filed within three years of the date of the person’s passing. A diligent lawyer could ensure that a wrongful death claim is filed promptly.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Wrongful Death Case?
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. The first step in filing this type of claim is to contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. They will be able to review the circumstances of your loved one’s death and determine if you have a valid case. If you do, a personal injury lawyer can assist you with this type of claim by helping you gather evidence to support your case.
This type of claim can be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. In some cases, other relatives may also be able to file a claim. A lawyer will investigate the circumstances that led to the death and work to hold the responsible parties accountable. A legal representative can do this by interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, collecting evidence, negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf, and helping you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation that you’re entitled to.
Contact Our Attorneys to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Claim in Columbia
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for wrongful death. The first step is to contact a Columbia wrongful death lawyer who has experience with these types of cases.
The personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris Miller are here to help. We have years of experience handling personal injury cases in Columbia, and we’re here to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about your rights.