The lawyers of Bowles & Verna LLP stand with Bay Area families who have lost loved ones in senseless accidents. These families need the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney who can offer strog legal counsel and sound advice when it comes to their legal rights. Whether you’re based in Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose, our law firm is here for you.
There are so many kinds of incidents that can result in the loss of a loved one. Let’s consider some potential causes of fatal and avoidable injuries, and then consider what damages may be sought in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Auto Accidents and Vehicle Collisions
Serious auto accidents can lead to catastrophic and even fatal injuries. This is especially true of high-speed collisions, t-bone collisions, and accidents involving motorcycles. The amount of force generated from these kinds of accidents can be extreme, and the vulnerability of motorcyclists puts their lives at risk. Multi-vehicle collisions and accidents with large trucks can also increase the chances of a fatality.
Medical Errors and Negligence
We count on doctors and surgeons to cure us and improve our health and wellness. Yet medical professional sometimes make serious mistakes, and these mistakes can be costly. Surgical errors could mean the different between life and death. A misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis could mean life-saving treatment cannot be started in time. Sometimes something as simple as an incorrect prescription could lead to a fatal contraindication.
Dangerous and Defective Products
Companies have an obligation to consumers. They should always have the safety of the public in mind before releasing any kind of product, whether it’s a vehicle, a pharmaceutical, a toy, or a new tech gadget. When products fail, they can potential harm consumers, and sometimes do so in a way that proves fatal.
Construction Accidents and Work-Related Injury
Construction workers and people who work at industrial workplaces have very dangerous jobs. This is especially the case when working with power tools and heavy machinery, or when working on tall structures of a great height. Major accidents at construction sites can potentially claim the lives of these workers, and they can also harm innocent bystanders.
Premises Liability and Dangerous Property
A major slip or fall at a business or commercial property can lead to major injuries. Sometimes in very extreme cases, these kinds of incidents can prove fatal. This is common when the falls are from a tall ledge without a guardrail, or perhaps even from a flight of stairs in which the steps are broken or slippery. Whatever the case may be, the property owner needs to be held accountable if the hazard was avoidable.
Damages Sought in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
When seeking legal damages in wrongful death lawsuits, both compensatory and punitive damages can be sought. Compensatory damages are intended to cover funerary expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, property damage, and other sorts of costs directly associated with the loss of a loved one. Punitive damages will be sought to punish the negligent party for their actions as a deterrent from similar actions occurring in the future.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
For more information about your legal rights following the loss of a loved one, be sure to contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys today. The team at Bowles & Verna LLP will work with you to ensure you receive expert legal representation.