Whenever people die unexpectedly, the surviving people closest to them experience the financial and emotional repercussions of their passing. In some circumstances, those left behind after someone dies may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Frequently, wrongful death litigation names a person as the defendant. Tragedies often result from one person making illegal decisions or behaving in a negligent manner.
Occasionally, a business might be the party that is liable in a wrongful death scenario. What situations may lead to wrongful death lawsuits against businesses and other types of organizations rather than individuals?
Defective products
Products with unsafe design elements and those that do not meet manufacturing standards can fail spectacularly with little warning. From lithium-ion battery fires to preventable car crashes, there are many potentially fatal situations that could begin with a defective product.
Employees’ negligence
When workers break the law or behave in a negligent manner, their employers are potentially liable. Vicarious liability passes to an employer when workers do something on the clock that causes harm to others.
Regulatory violations
Perhaps there were obvious violations of a liquor law that took place at a licensed business. A drunk driver served there could then cause a crash, and the business might be partially to blame. When companies break the law, their actions can create unsafe situations with tragic consequences.
These examples are among the most common reasons why plaintiffs name businesses in wrongful death lawsuits. Other circumstances might also warrant holding a business accountable for a tragedy. Having experienced legal guidance in reviewing what caused a recent loss can help survivors name the correct responsible party in a wrongful death lawsuit.