The two most common wrongful death claims involve:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
If someone was killed in a car crash because another driver ran a red light, a wrongful death claim might be able to be brought against the driver who violated traffic laws. If, in this same accident, the vehicle’s airbag was defective and failed to deploy, an auto product liability claim may also be brought against the manufacturer of the airbag and vehicle. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney regarding your unique situation as multiple parties may be responsible.
Work Accidents
If a person was killed while on the job, that person’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. For example, if a company failed to maintain equipment on a construction site and that failure was responsible for an accident that killed a worker. In that case, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the company.