The Top 5 Causes of Wrongful Death

What Families Need To Know About Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims are there to support families who have been devastated by avoidable loss and here are the top 5 causes of wrongful death. If a loved one passes away due to negligence or misconduct of another party, families may be left devastated emotionally and financially.

It is important to understand the common causes of wrongful death and knowing how to pursue a compensation claim can help families get through this difficult time.

If you believe your loved one passed away due to someone else’s negligence, Jefferies Claims may be able to help. We partner with highly experienced lawyers who can assess your case and help taking it forward.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death refers to a situation where someone dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another individual, company, or organisation.

The primary purpose of a wrongful death claim is to secure financial compensation for the dependants of the deceased. This may include spouses, children, and sometimes other close relatives.

The Top 5 Causes of Wrongful Death

1 Road Traffic Accidents

Road traffic collisions are the leading cause of wrongful death claims. Whether involving cars, motorcycles, cyclists, or pedestrians, accidents may result in fatal consequences.

Causes include negligent driving, such as drink-driving, speeding or distracted driving (eating, using a phone or adjusting a navigation system).

2 Medical Negligence

Medical professionals must ensure a standard duty of care towards their patients. If a healthcare provider fails to meet accepted standards, through misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or inadequate treatment, the consequences can be fatal.

Common examples include:

• Misdiagnosing life-threatening conditions like cancer
• Surgical mistakes
• Birth injuries leading to neonatal death

3 Workplace Accidents

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure safe working environments. Fatal workplace accidents tend to be a result of factors such as lack of training, poor maintenance, or unsafe practices.

Key causes:

• Falls from height
• Equipment malfunctions
• Exposure to hazardous materials

4 Public Liability Accidents

Fatal accidents can happen in public spaces such as parks, shopping centres, or restaurants. Poorly maintained premises, lack of health and safety measures, or risky conditions may result in a fatal incident.

Examples include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Falling objects
• Unsafe structures

5 Defective Products

Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe. Faulty vehicles, appliances, medications, or children’s toys are examples of where fatal injuries may occur. This would lead to wrongful death claims against manufacturers, suppliers, or retailers.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Certain family members are entitled to bring a claim following a wrongful death:

• Spouses or civil partners
• Children (including adopted children)
• Parents and step-parents
• Brothers, sisters, and grandparents (in some cases)

Generally, the family’s representative, such as the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, files the claim on behalf of the estate and the dependants.

How to File a Claim for Wrongful Death Compensation

Seek Legal Advice

The first step is to contact a solicitor specialising in wrongful death claims. They will evaluate your case’s merits and advise on the likelihood of success.

Look for:

• A solicitor with experience in fatal accident claims
• No Win, No Fee agreements to reduce financial risk

Gather Evidence

Strong evidence is crucial for a claim to be successful. This may include:

• Medical records and post-mortem reports
• Police and accident reports
• Witness statements
• Financial evidence of loss (e.g., dependency on deceased’s income)

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

A wrongful death claim must typically be brought within three years of:

• The date of death, or
• The date when the cause of death was first known (such as following an inquest or post-mortem).

Exceptions apply for minors or individuals lacking mental capacity.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Dealing with legal matters during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. However, taking prompt action ensures critical evidence is preserved and your claim stays within legal time limits. Many families find that pursuing a wrongful death claim provides a sense of justice, financial security, and closure.

We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can guide you through making a claim.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team at Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.