Wrongful Death

A broad term that is often misunderstood, wrongful death refers to when someone is at fault for causing the death of another person.

A wrongful death case is a civil action. One of the key components is proving that a specific event caused the death. For example, there is typically a clear link when someone dies due to a car accident. But the connection isn’t as clear in most healthcare liability cases, such as when a patient dies after undergoing a routine surgical procedure or falling in a nursing home.

It takes a lot of work and is very stressful when trying to prove an event or act is linked to a loved one’s death. That is why families need the help of a lawyer. A firm experienced with wrongful death cases will have the resources and skill sets to gather information, witnesses, and experts quickly and effectively.

5 Common Types of Wrongful Death

Auto Accidents

In the United States, there were nearly 43,000 motor vehicle-related deaths in 2021, with approximately 650 of those deaths occurring in Oklahoma. Accidents caused by an impaired, distracted, or fatigued driver are often responsible for wrongful deaths. Aside from accidents caused by drivers, there may also be wrongful death cases involving motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians struck by motor vehicles. Defective parts or products in a motor vehicle such as faulty brakes or steering wheel malfunctions may also cause a driver’s or passenger’s death and give rise to a wrongful death case against the manufacturer.

Medical Malpractice

As one of the most common causes of wrongful death, medical malpractice can affect anyone. The term is defined aswhen a hospital, doctor, or other healthcare professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient through a negligent act or omission. The different types of medical malpractice include (but aren’t limited to):

• Failure to diagnose
• Misdiagnosis
• Negligent failure to treat
• Surgical errors
• Medication errors
• Birth injuries
• Defective medical devices

Medical malpractice cases are complex and high stakes. It is important that your case is investigated thoroughly and handled by an attorney experienced in this field.

Defective Products

A wrongful death claim can be filed when something doesn’t work the way it is supposed to. When a product is defective or unsafe and leads to the death of a consumer, the manufacturer may be liable. For example, wrongful death can be due to toxic food products, faulty vehicles, dangerous toys, and harmful medications.

Workplace Accidents

Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment for employees. If a death results due to an unsafe working environment, a wrongful death case can arise.

Nursing Home Abuse

As some most vulnerable members of our community, residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers can be subjected to neglect or abuse. Unexplained injuries or negligent treatment that leads to the passing of an elderly person in a care facility can be cause for a wrongful death case.

GT Law Firm’s Expertise

We’ve handled all types of wrongful death cases for over 30 years. We have the resources to determine what happened, who did it, why, and if it could have been prevented. Families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one need answers, and we pride ourselves on getting them those answers.