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Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases and How to Handle Them

May 17, 2023

Wrongful death cases are one of the most, if not the most, difficult type of cases to handle from a family’s point of view. West Virginia wrongful death attorneys from Salango Law believe it imperative for clients to properly understand the different types of wrongful death cases and how to handle them effectively.

Most Commonly-Occurring Wrongful Death Cases in Charleston, WV

Medical Malpractice

Perhaps one of the most common types of wrongful death cases, medical malpractice can easily lead to the unintended death of a friend or family member. Medical malpractice most commonly occurs when healthcare professionals make mistakes. However, there are many reported medical malpractice cases in which someone provides medical services without a license, among other circumstances. 

Automotive Accidents

In some cases, accidents involving automobiles like cars and trucks turn into wrongful death cases. This is often the case due to the danger that vehicles can pose on the road while traveling at high speeds. Likewise, pedestrian accidents even more frequently become wrongful death cases as pedestrians do not have the protection of a vehicle’s cabin. 

Work Accidents

Many individuals work in highly dangerous environments (such as agricultural or construction workers). Should employers not take the proper precautions to avoid accidents on the job, including ensuring safety in the workplace or with their safety gear, workers may be subject to life-threatening working conditions. Such deaths are not too uncommon, and work accidents make up a considerable percentage of wrongful death cases. 

Defective Products

All too regularly, faulty products with design, manufacturing, or advertisement defects hit the shelves. Anything from a gun misfiring on its own to airbags deploying without proper cause can severely threaten the lives of consumers. Product liability cases can even concern small parts of a children’s toy that could prove to be a choking hazard. 

Handling Wrongful Death Cases

Handling a wrongful death case is never easy. Friends and family members of someone who has prematurely and preventatively passed on takes a huge toll—mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. In any case, there are a certain set of steps that one can take to streamline the process and ensure a more successful case outcome. 

  • Consult an attorney – The very first step to pursuing a wrongful death case is consulting an attorney. Lawyers are able to help surviving family members properly manage timelines of the wrongful death suit from start to finish and provide general guidance on how to proceed.  
  • Gather evidence – With the help of an attorney, the process of evidence-gathering usually starts as soon as possible. This is to ensure that nothing that could potentially be used in court is overlooked in the preparation phase. 
  • Determine damages – Determining damages will help paint a better picture of what families can expect to fight for financially speaking. 
  • File a lawsuit – Filing a lawsuit with an attorney is the most important step in handling a wrongful death case. Although it may seem like this is the end of the road before the verdict is read, it is critical that one maintains open and transparent communication with their legal team to ensure a smooth trial. 

The Go-To Law Firm in West Virginia for Wrongful Death Cases

The Charleston, West Virginia wrongful death attorneys from Salango Law are constantly helping clients in wrongful death cases. With the help of one of our lawyers, we will provide a free consultation that will give you all the tools you need for a successful lawsuit. Call our firm today at (304) 342-0512.