How Common Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits in The United States?

Few things are as tragic as when someone is taken unexpectedly from this life by the careless or negligent actions of another. In these cases, the decedent’s surviving family members have the option of bringing a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party in order to recover for their loss. Even so, struggling with the death of a loved one is a tremendous burden to bear – and one that is all too common in several industries and aspects of American life.

Wrongful Death Statistics

Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. Hospitals and doctors only report 10% of medical errors, so we cannot know the number for certain, but some estimates – backed by studies – establish that medical malpractice may be the cause of up to 251,000 deaths every year in this country.

The National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Center for Disease Control, reports that motor vehicle accidents account for 37,595 deaths annually. Unintentional poisoning – for example, when someone accidentally administers the wrong dose of medicine – results in an additional 65,773 deaths a year.

Legal Options for Survivors

If you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone’s negligence, you have the chance to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. While this lawsuit will not bring your loved one back, and no amount of money can adequately make up for their death, it can help you to put your life back together and meet your needs while you recover from your loss.

If you are successful in your lawsuit, you can recover for things such as the loss of financial support that your loved one provided to your family. You can also recover for loss of companionship, and the deceased’s minor children can recover for loss of parental guidance and support.

After losing a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit may be what you need to make ends meet and provide for the deceased’s other surviving family members.