The loss of a loved one is always difficult but that loss can feel even worse when it results from the negligence or recklessness of others. Wrongful death is the legal term that refers to a death resulting from a willful or negligent act of another person or entity.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death stem from motor vehicle accidents, faulty products as well as falls. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2010 found that approximately 120,000 people died as the result of an unintentional accident or injury, making it the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. As you can probably imagine, motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck and motorcycle accidents, resulted in the highest number of wrongful deaths stemming from an unintentional yet negligent act. Medical malpractice followed unintentional injury and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Ninety-eight thousand deaths each year are attributed to medical malpractice. Other causes of wrongful death are considered intentional, or criminal, and include violent acts such as homicide.
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