Losing a loved one is a tragic experience that everyone must someday endure. The grief is often compounded when a person dies unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence.
Although no amount of compensation can undo such a hardship, a successful wrongful death claim could provide the funds you need to restore financial stability. Depending on the nature of your case, taking action could also lead to positive changes that save other people’s lives.
In the state of Iowa, the following damages may be recoverable in wrongful death claims:
- Healthcare expenses your deceased incurred between his or her injury and death;
- Loss of function of the mind or body before death;
- Lost benefits, wages, and other earnings;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of consortium.
If your family member died due to another person’s negligent or malicious actions, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. Our personal-injury attorneys will assess your case in a free consultation.
We have the knowledge, resources, and litigation experience to help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 319-393-1020 to discuss your claim with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn about three common causes of wrongful death:
- Medical Errors
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University estimate that preventable medical mistakes cause more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States. That means medical errors are the third leading cause of death – taking more lives than respiratory diseases, unintentional injuries, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Car Wrecks
The car accident fatality rate in the United States jumped 7.2 percent between 2014 and 2015. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 35,000 people died in motor-vehicle wrecks in 2015.
- Slips and Falls
The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that each year, slips and falls cause 1 million emergency room visits. A serious fall can damage almost any part of the body. Common injuries include brain trauma and broken bones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of falls cause a severe injury.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Iowa?
In the state of Iowa, the following parties can bring a wrongful death claim:
- The administrator of the deceased’s estate;
- The surviving minor children and spouse of the deceased;
- Any adult children of the deceased; or
- If the deceased was a minor, the parents can bring the wrongful death claim.
If your loved one died due to a car accident, medical error, product defect, or another person’s negligent or malicious behavior, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. Our attorneys will answer your questions and help you pursue justice and compensation.
We will interview witnesses, evaluate doctors’ records, gather evidence, and compassionately protect your rights. Call 319-393-1020 to arrange a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids. Visit http://personal-injury.usattorneys.com/iowa/ to learn more about personal injury claims in Iowa.