The Most Common Types of Wrongful Deaths in the U.S.

No one should have to experience the wrongful death of a family member, but it’s something that impacts many families in the U.S. every year. The causes of death vary, but one thing remains certain: you and your family deserve justice.

What are the most common causes of wrongful death in the U.S., and do you have a case if someone you know has had their life taken? Find out if you have a successful case.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the U.S., causing up to 250,000 deaths per year. People put their health and safety in the hands of doctors, and many mistakes can be made throughout the treatment process.

Many medical malpractice deaths are caused every year by:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis 
• Surgical errors 
• Medication errors 
• Anesthesia errors 
• Hospital acquired infections 
• Birth complications 
• Lack of communication or documentation 
• Medical device failures 
• Lack of informed consent (i.e., failure to inform patients of the risks of a treatment or procedure) 
• Failure to follow protocols or guidelines 

Wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice require the expertise of medical and legal professionals. They typically involve demonstrating that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care and directly contributed to the patient’s death. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents 

Over 38,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents every year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—this includes accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. These accidents often result from factors like speeding, impaired or distracted driving, road hazards, motor vehicle defects, or many forms of negligence.

Proving liability in wrongful death cases involving auto accidents requires the demonstration that the at-fault party was negligent or acted in a way that directly caused the accident and resulting death. Proving liability can be complex, and the specific evidence needed may vary based on the circumstances of the accident. 

Workplace-Related Deaths 

The most recent numbers put workplace related deaths at 5,190 annually in the U.S., meaning that an American worker will die every 101 minutes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leading occupations for worker deaths include: 

• Transportation and material moving occupations 
• Construction and extraction occupations 
• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 
• Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 
• Protective service occupations (fire and law enforcement) 

The most common causes of workplace deaths include: 

• Transportation incidents 
• Falls, slips, and trips 
• Contact with objects and equipment 
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments 

Defective Products 

An estimated 50,900 deaths in 2019 were related to, but not necessarily caused by, a consumer product. The true number of deaths directly caused by defective products is hard to uncover, but there’s no doubt that these types of cases continue to contribute to many deaths every year.  

Several factors can contribute to these types of wrongful death cases, including: 

• Flaws in the original design of the product that make it inherently unsafe for consumers 
• Errors that occur during the manufacturing process, leading to defects in individual products that pose risks to consumers 
• Failure to provide sufficient warnings or instructions about the proper use of products and potential risks associated with their use 
• Failure to recall a product known to be dangerous or defective 
• Defective or contaminated drugs, inadequate testing of drugs, or undisclosed side effects of drugs 
• Incorrect or misleading labeling of products 
• Exposure to toxic substances in products or contaminated foods 

If you suspect a defective product caused a wrongful death, an attorney can help you conduct a thorough investigation and documentation of the product’s defects. 

What’s Required for a Wrongful Death Case?

Establishing a strong wrongful death case involves several key legal elements that will form the foundation of your legal claim: 

Duty of care: At the core of a wrongful death case is the establishment of a duty of care. It determines that there is a responsibility for one party to ensure the safety and well-being of another. This may sound like it only applies to medical malpractice cases, where there is a physician’s duty to care for a patient, but it also applies to things like driving a car. Every time a person gets in a vehicle, they have a duty to not negligently operate it. 

Breach of duty: Proving liability in a wrongful death requires demonstrating that the responsible party breached the duty of care that is outlined above.  

Causation: The breach of duty must lead to the fatality in your case.

Comprehensive evidence is vital in building a strong case. This may involve accident reports, witness statements, medical records, expert opinions, and any other documentation relevant to the circumstances leading to the wrongful death. 

Work with a Reliable Wrongful Death Attorney 

Navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death case can be challenging. We’re here to help. At Morelli Law, we have decades of experience representing the families of wrongful death victims. We can help you establish liability in your wrongful death case, pursuing those responsible and getting you and your family the compensation you deserve. There are many types of damages that are available for you to recover, from funeral expenses and medical debt to pain and suffering. It all begins with an extensive consultation regarding your case. To get a free case consultation with our legal experts, get in touch with our office today.