Westminster Wrongful Death Lawyer
Each year, thousands of people incur fatal injuries from accidents. Families are often left trying to understand the tragedy and what may have influenced the accident. In some cases, the death of a loved one may have been preventable. A skilled Westminster wrongful death lawyer could examine the facts surrounding the incident and potentially determine the liability of another party.
Depending upon the circumstances, a compassionate personal injury attorney could help a person file a wrongful death claim. This legal option may help a family of a deceased loved one obtain financial support through compensation. It may also help hold a negligent or careless party responsible.
Medical Malpractice
In some cases, a wrongful death claim may result from an incident of medical malpractice. Such a case may involve demonstrating that a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional was negligent. This could include acquiring expert medical testimony to show that a healthcare professional did not provide the standard of care normally expected in that specific situation. Typical mistakes made by the medical community that could result in fatal injuries may include misdiagnosis, overdiagnosis, prescription errors, surgical errors, hospital-acquired illnesses.
When misdiagnosis occurs, a medical professional may overlook a patient’s symptoms and their carelessness could result in advanced illness that should typically have been prevented. Overdiagnosis is another form of medical malpractice which often involves unnecessary surgeries and other treatments for conditions that may not have caused ill health or death had they gone untreated.
Prescription errors could also influence a medical malpractice incident that may result in someone’s death. When a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or the wrong dosage the consequences can be deadly. Pharmacies may also give the patient the wrong medication or potentially label the bottles incorrectly.
Surgical errors and hospital-acquired illnesses also pose a great risk for a wrongful death accident. Careless surgeons or medical staff may complete a procedure incorrectly which could also cause a deadly infection, such as sepsis. A consultation with a Westminster wrongful death lawyer could help identify how a medical professional may have contributed to the fatal injury.
Workplace Accidents
In addition to medical malpractice, workplace accidents are another leading cause of wrongful death claims. Although fatal injuries suffered at work may be covered under workers’ compensation, those who lost a loved one, due to another’s careless disregard for safety, may be eligible to file a lawsuit as well.
Fatal injuries that happen in the workplace are often caused by:
- Defective equipment
- Irresponsible property or site owners
- Subcontractors
Someone who has lost a loved one or family member from a workplace accident may benefit from consulting a Westminster wrongful death lawyer. An understanding attorney could help assess an insurance settlement to determine if the potential option is appropriate.
Potential Compensation Options
Spouses, children, and in some cases, the deceased’s parents may file a wrongful death claim in Westminster. Statute §13-21-203 generally explains the types of damages that might be awarded to families or loved ones of those injured in a fatal accident.
Damages that could be awarded may include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of love, companionship, and protection
- Medical bills and emergency care expenses related to the deceased’s injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
Work with a Westminster Wrongful Death Attorney
A death due to the negligent actions of another may tremendously and negative influence the lives of loved ones and family members. During this time of grieving, a family may benefit from a Westminster wrongful death lawyer. A reliable injury attorney who understands the gravity of the death of a loved one could help advocate and work to find potential compensation options. Schedule an appointment with a proficient injury attorney today.