Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when the loss is a result of someone else’s carelessness. When a person’s death is caused by the negligent actions of another person or entity, the surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit seeking damages against the at-fault party. This type of lawsuit is also known as a wrongful death case.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent acts of another, it is important that you speak to a Harrisburg wrongful death lawyer. The legal team at Schmidt Kramer is experienced at representing loved ones who lost someone from the following preventable causes:
Auto Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death cases. A driver’s negligence may lead to fatal consequences that form the basis of a wrongful death claim, such as:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Road defects
- Road repair and construction
All motorists have a duty to drive in a safe manner that avoids accidents with others. When a driver ignores this duty and causes the death of another, the affected family members may seek to hold him or her legally liable for damages.
Motorcycle Accidents
Given the lack of protection motorcyclists have while on the road, even slow-speed accidents can result in deadly consequences. Many motorcycle accidents are caused when other motorists pull out or turn in front of motorcyclists because he or she fails to notice these smaller profile vehicles. These accidents may also be caused when road maintenance is not performed and debris causes the accident.
Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks may weigh several tons, so when they hit a much smaller vehicle, the results are often tragic. These accidents are unique and require the retention of a skilled lawyer who is familiar with trucking regulations and how non-compliance can result in liability.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued driving
- Driving with an oversized load
- Mechanical issues with the truck
- Impaired driving
- Losing control of the vehicle
- Mechanical defects
- Trucking company negligence
- Driving during poor road conditions
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider’s care falls below the accepted standard in the local medical community. Many cases of wrongful death arise in this context when medical providers:
- Rush through procedures or cut corners
- Do not follow proper procedures or may miss something important
- Commit errors during pregnancy or the labor process
- Misdiagnose a condition or fail to diagnose a condition altogether
Construction Accidents
Workplace accidents are another common cause of wrongful death cases. However, the construction industry is associated with an even greater degree of risk. If an employer fails to maintain a safe working environment for their workers, they may be responsible for a wrongful death.
A qualified attorney can explore if another party shares responsibility for the accident. For example, construction workers may be working on a job site and may be injured and killed due to dangerous conditions on the property, that may be due to the homeowner or the general contractor.
Defective Products
Every year, thousands of consumers are injured and killed by dangerous products in the marketplace. A wrongful death claim can arise from a defective product when a defect in its manufacture, design or marketing result in the consumer’s death. When manufacturers or others in the supply chain do not produce safe products, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries that result.
Some dangerous products that have led to the deaths of consumers include among others:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Defective vehicles
- Children’s toys and products
- Toxic food products
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Now
If your loved one was involved in a wrongful death accident, contact a lawyer from Schmidt Kramer who is familiar with Pennsylvania wrongful death law. We approach these cases with delicate sensitivity to the family while aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with us to discuss the specific circumstances regarding your case and identify possible damages that may be available. Our attorneys work on contingency, which means we do not charge any upfront fees or costs for handling your claim. We only get paid if we help you obtain favorable compensation.
Fill out our Free Case Review form today or call (717) 888-8888 to get started.