Falls Resulting in Wrongful Death
In terms of accidents, people may not consider slips and falls to be very serious, but they can cause catastrophic, or even deadly, injuries. If someone dies after suffering a fall, surviving loved ones will be left to suffer with grief, emotional trauma, and financial losses.
If a fall was caused by reckless or negligent behavior, or a failure to meet legal responsibilities, liable parties should be held accountable for resulting losses. Wrongful death attorney Hardin Ramey can assist individuals in the Dallas, TX-area seek financial compensation for damages stemming from a fall resulting in wrongful death.
Common Causes of Falls
The death of a loved one is a heartbreaking experience, so while surviving family members are dealing with their grief, they may not consider what caused the fatal fall. However, determining the cause of a fall is important, because it lets us know if we are dealing with a case of wrongful death.
When working on a case for his Dallas clients, Hardin Ramey examines all the details of an accident to establish the factors that caused or contributed to the fall. Common causes of falls include:
- Wet floors
- Slippery flooring that lacks a warning sign
- Uneven flooring or pavement
- Uneven or broken steps
- Obstacles or tripping hazards
- Unsecured flooring (such as loose carpet)
Falls and Premises Liability
Nearly all of the most common causes of falls are subject to premises liability laws. Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests of their property. If a property owner fails to address hazards, and the hazard results in a fall, the owner can be held liable for all damages stemming from the accident, including the losses associated with a wrongful death.
Proving Wrongful Death
If a fall results in wrongful death, property owners or their insurance company are unlikely to admit fault. They often claim that the death was unrelated to the fall, so that they can avoid paying surviving loved ones the costly damages they are due. To prove a wrongful death case for his Dallas clients, Hardin Ramey must establish a few key facts:
- The defendant had a duty to take actions to protect the victim, and that duty was breached
- The breach of duty was a direct cause of the victim’s death
- The death of the victim resulted in quantifiable losses for surviving family members
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
After demonstrating that a wrongful death occurred, we must establish the damages that were suffered by surviving loved ones. Damages in a wrongful death case are likely to include both economic and non-economic losses. Potential areas of compensation in a wrongful death case include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost source of income
- Lost benefits
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (or loss of companionship)
Get Your Case Started
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one as the result of a fall, and you suspect wrongful death, it is important to take legal action as quickly as possible. To discuss your case with attorney Hardin Ramey, send us a message online, or call (972) 437-5577 at your earliest convenience.
