The general definition of wrongful death is a death the occurs through the fault or negligence of another party. This means that the action or inaction of someone caused a death. As we will see below there is not one set way in which a wrongful death occurs. The circumstances of the fatal accident or incident can vary greatly. Below you will find the most common types of wrongful death cases that our attorneys see. Though we specialize in cases in Illinois and Wisconsin, most of these categories are pertinent across the U.S.

• Auto or traffic accidents- There are many ways that a deadly car, truck or motorcycle accident can be deemed a wrongful death. One of the more common auto accident related cases revolves around a drunk driver causing the accident. However, distracted drivers and aggressive drivers can also be held liable for their actions.
• Medical error-Medical errors that cause the death of the patient include but are not limited to: prescription drug errors, bad or dangerous drugs, failure to diagnose a condition and surgical errors. The family of the patient must be able to prove that the doctor, nurse, or PA acted in a negligent manner.
• Workplace- There is no doubt that some jobs are more dangerous than others. However, an employer has the responsibility to keep their workers as safe as possible through appropriate safety measures. If an employer, manager or foreman does not do so, they can be held responsible for a workers death. A slip and fall is a common source of on the job injury and death.
• Product Liability- This type of wrongful death case arises when a manufacturer produces a product that is defective and causes serious harm and death. One example is the production of a drug that does more harm than good.

The staff and attorneys at Hupy & Abraham hope that the information provided in this article helps you better understand the various ways a wrongful death can occur. If you believe that the actions of another have killed a spouse, parent, sibling or child, please contact an experienced lawyer today. An attorney can help ensure that the person or people responsible for your loss are held accountable for their actions. Please call today. We are ready to fight for you.