Accidental injuries are a leading cause of death in the U.S., and seasoned attorneys know firsthand just how costly they can be for surviving loved ones. Since relatives of the deceased only have a limited amount of time to file a formal claim, though, they should seek counsel as soon as they suspect their loved one’s death was preventable. Here are just a few scenarios that may warrant immediate legal action. 

5 Common Causes of Wrongful Death

1. Aviation Accidents 

Unlike motor-vehicle collisions, which are relatively common but rarely fatal, aviation accidents are rare but often end in tragedy. If your loved one died in a plane crash, you might have grounds for a claim against the airline carrier, maintenance contractor, or parts manufacturer. 

2. Boating Accidents

People tend to let their guard down when on the water. After all, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the lake with the sun at your back and the wind in your hair. Although it’s perfectly fine for passengers to relax, boat operators must remain alert, attentive, and sober at all times. Otherwise, they put everyone on board and in the vicinity at risk of a serious accident. 

3. Truck Accidents 

Truck accidents are one of the most devastating kinds of collisions. Because tractor-trailers are so much heavier than passenger vehicles, they can cause considerable damage in a wreck. In fatal truck accidents, surviving family members can hire an attorney to help them sue the motor carrier, cargo loading company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance contractor. 

4. Birth Injuries 

Although some labor and delivery complications are totally unanticipated, many can be prevented. When a preventable complication has fatal consequences, it’s utterly devastating. At the end of the day, all patients deserve quality care, but providers owe a higher duty of care to expecting mothers because two lives are at stake instead of one. 

5. Poorly Maintained Premises 

Because of a legal concept called premises liability, landlords and business owners must maintain their property to a relatively high standard. If they don’t and someone sustains life-threatening injuries as a result, they are liable for all resulting damages. 

If you want to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in an unanticipated accident, turn to the compassionate attorneys at Egan & Richgels, S.C. Based in La Crosse and serving clients throughout western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota, they consider themselves injury specialists. For nearly four decades, they have been helping injured parties and their families recover what is rightfully theirs. To request a free initial consultation with one of their accident attorneys, visit their website or call (608) 784-0087.