What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a claim made on behalf of the survivors or beneficiaries of a person who has died as a result of wrongful conduct—either negligent or intentional. Such claims are generally made by those financially dependent upon the deceased.
According to the Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School, wrongful death is defined as “a claim against a person who can be held liable for a death. The claim is brought in a civil action, usually by close relatives, as enumerated by statute.” As such, damages can include medical expenses before death, loss of earnings of the deceased during their expected natural life, and loss of consortium (deprivation of a marital/sexual partner or familial relationship).
A wrongful death can arise from a multitude of situations, including car accidents caused by a drunk or negligent driver, medical malpractice where a healthcare provider fails to provide adequate care, and fatal workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper safety measures. Specific cases, such as O.J. Simpson’s civil trial for the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson highlights how wrongful death claims operate separately from criminal proceedings, focusing on liability and compensation rather than criminal guilt. The benefits of wrongful death claims include providing financial support to the deceased’s family members, holding responsible parties accountable, and potentially promoting changes to prevent future incidents. Understanding wrongful death claims is crucial for families seeking justice and compensation for their loss and for legal professionals advocating on their behalf.
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Where Is the Safest Place to Pull Over After an Accident?
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most stressful situations a person may face. While many people have seen footage of an accident, most are not prepared to be involved in one of the millions of crashes occurring each year in the United States. When unprepared, a person is likely to panic and increase their risk of injury to themselves or others.
Fortunately, the skilled car accident lawyers at Munley Law have decades of experience fighting for fair compensation for accident victims. Our law firm’s experience leaves us well-equipped to tell you the proper action to take following an accident, such as where to pull over and other immediate steps.
Where to Pull Over After an Accident
If you are involved in an accident on a freeway, the shoulder is the most readily available place to pull over. It is often the only somewhat safe option to turn after an accident. […]
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Why Do Semi-Trucks Have Spikes on Their Wheels?
While driving down the highway, you may notice the semi-trucks beside you have what looks like spikes coming off their tire rims. But what purpose do those spike studs hold, and what happens if you get into an accident with a truck driver and those spikes cause damage?
Munley Law explains the purpose of these lug nut covers and your rights in semi-truck accidents.
What Are Wheel Spikes on Semi Trucks?
Spikes on the wheels of semi-trucks are lug nut covers. They are meant to protect lug nuts from debris and corrosion over time but also have aesthetic appeal.
While wheel spikes look intimidating, they are often made of weaker metals like aluminum alloys and even sometimes plastic. So, if your vehicle came into contact with one, the worst that would happen is a few scratches on your car. […]
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Can I Sue TikTok For My Child’s Injury After a TikTok Challenge?
In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok have become breeding grounds for viral challenges, some of which can be dangerous or even life-threatening. The platform’s rapid-fire content delivery, addictive nature, and algorithm-driven recommendations have created an environment where trends can spread like wildfire, often outpacing parental awareness and platform moderation efforts. As a parent, you may be increasingly concerned about the content your child is exposed to and potentially participating in. If the unthinkable happens and your child is injured while participating in a TikTok challenge, you may wonder about your legal options.
The Rise of Dangerous Social Media Challenges
Social media challenges have dramatically evolved from harmless fun to potentially deadly stunts. This transformation reflects the broader shifts in social media culture, where the quest for viral fame and digital approval can override common sense and safety concerns. Recent examples that have caused alarm among parents, […]
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