The Causes of Wrongful Death: Auto Accidents, Workplace Injuries, and More

A wrongful death lawsuit is a difficult step to take for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Understanding what caused the accident or injury that led to their death can be critical in holding negligent parties accountable and seeking justice. This article will explore common causes of wrongful death, including auto accidents, workplace accidents, and medical injuries. Knowing when negligence played a role in an accident or injury can help families make informed decisions about how best to proceed with a potential wrongful death suit. At VB Attorneys, our Houston wrongful death attorneys are here to help you seek justice for your loved one.

Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. According to fatality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), auto accidents accounted for over 42,000 fatalities in 2022. When negligence is a factor in an accident, it can be grounds for a wrongful death case. Common causes of negligence include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and failing to follow traffic laws. It’s important that families understand their rights when they face the tragic loss of a loved one due to an auto accident.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are another frequent cause of wrongful death cases. In 2020, there were over 5,000 fatalities due to motorcycle crashes nationwide. Speeding and reckless driving are common factors in motorcycle accidents that lead to wrongful death suits. Without proper safety gear such as helmets and protective clothing, serious injuries can occur and even result in death. Families should seek legal counsel if their loved one died due to a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness. 

Semi-Truck Accidents

Big rigs may seem intimidating on the highway but sadly they often cause devastating crashes that lead to wrongful death suits. The CDC reports that there were 4,749 fatalities due to semi-truck accidents in 2019 alone. Negligence on behalf of truck drivers or trucking companies can lead to serious legal consequences when it results in an accident with fatal outcomes.

Train & Bus Accidents

Accidents involving trains and buses also lead to many wrongful death cases each year. According to the CDC’s 2019 data, there were 1,237 fatalities resulting from train crashes and 896 deaths related to bus crashes nationwide last year alone. Negligence on behalf of public transportation authorities or operators can be grounds for legal action when it results in an accident with fatal outcomes for passengers or nearby pedestrians/motorists. 

Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries can also result in wrongful death suits if negligence played a role in the incident that led to the fatality. In 2019, workplace deaths totaled 5,333 according to OSHA data – making it critical that employers maintain safe workplaces so that workers don’t needlessly lose their lives on the job site because of dangerous conditions created by employers who fail to adhere to safety standards or regulations set forth by OSHA or other governmental organizations overseeing workplace safety regulations. Those grieving over lost family members should seek legal counsel if they believe their loved one perished as a result of unsafe working conditions at their place of employment.

Offshore/Vessel Accidents 

Offshore drilling operations come with inherent risks – but when these risks are compounded by employer negligence leading to catastrophic results including worker deaths then serious legal action may be necessary depending upon circumstances surrounding these incidents. People injured or killed offshore are protected by the Jones Act, a law designed specifically to protect US-based maritime employees. This is our law firm's specialty as we have helped dozens of families secure millions of dollars in compensation.

Medical Injuries 

Medical errors are a surprisingly common cause of death in America. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can happen anywhere from doctor's offices to hospital operating rooms— leading to potential long-term health issues, chronic pain, disability, and even the untimely passing away of a loved one. Families losing loved ones under suspicious circumstances involving medical procedures should always consult with an attorney to help determine whether or not any wrongdoing caused their relative’s fatality. 

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys are Here for You

Corporations, insurance companies, or individuals responsible for your loss will do everything in their power to avoid being held accountable. Our wrongful death lawyers at VB Attorneys will help you get the justice you deserve. Before you cash any checks, sign forms, or speak with an adjuster, consult our knowledgeable lawyers to make sure you get justice for your loss. When a loved one suddenly and wrongfully dies due to negligent or reckless action or inaction, contact our experienced Texas wrongful death lawyers at (713) 224-7800.