It is everyone's worst nightmare: An unexpected phone call from the hospital or police, informing you that someone you love has been involved in an accident. You rush to the hospital emergency room, only to find them either fatally injured or already gone. Personal injuries that result in wrongful death are the most heartbreaking for our office to handle. In these cases involving accidental death claims, we fight for the rights of surviving family members, allowing them to focus on grieving their loss.
Accidental injuries resulting in death can occur at home or at work, or while engaged in hobbies and other activities. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), these accidents tragically claim the lives of roughly 150,000 people each year.
Poisonings: Accidental poisoning can occur at work due to exposure to harmful substances or toxic chemicals. Overdoses involving opioid medications have become increasingly common, and doctors may be held liable through a medical malpractice claim for negligence in prescribing these medications.
Motor vehicle crashes: Accidents involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists continue to be one of the leading causes of injuries and death in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that road, traffic, and weather conditions are often contributing factors, but the majority are due to the reckless actions of drivers.
Falls: The NSC reports roughly 33,000 people die as the result of falls each year. These accidents often impact older adults, due to negligence on the part of nursing homes or in-home caregivers, as well as workers in construction-related trades.
Choking and suffocation: Sadly, this is one of the leading causes of death for children, who can easily choke on small objects. Product manufacturers can be held liable when children's toys and other products are improperly produced, or when they fail to warn customers of the potential hazards.
Drowning: While accidental drownings are particularly common among children, adults can be victims as well. Tragically, these accidents often occur on vacations or family outings when the appropriate staff is not provided. They can also occur in neighborhoods where fencing is not installed.
Fires and burns: Burn injuries can occur due to flames and hot objects or due to exposure to toxic substances. A lack of proper precautions or a lack of safety exits are often to blame for burn injury and fire-related deaths.