What Is an Example of a Wrongful Death Claim?
When someone dies because of another person or company’s negligence, the emotional fallout can be overwhelming—and the legal side of things doesn’t make it any easier. That’s where a wrongful death claim comes in. These lawsuits allow surviving family members to seek compensation and accountability. But what does that actually look like in practice?
Let’s break down what a wrongful death claim involves, using clear, real-world examples and some insights from Mark Perron, a trusted Minneapolis personal injury lawyer who’s walked families through this exact process.
Understanding What Counts as a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death happens when a person dies due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional action. The key legal idea is that if the person hadn’t died, they would’ve had a valid personal injury claim. Their surviving family or estate steps in to pursue that claim on their behalf.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Dangerous property conditions
- Defective products
- Criminal acts
Real-World Example: Fatal Car Accident Involving a Drunk Driver
Imagine a man driving home from work. He follows every rule of the road, but another driver—under the influence of alcohol—runs a red light and crashes into him. The man later dies from his injuries. In this case, his family could file a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver.
The lawsuit might cover:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of income and support
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma for the family
This example hits all the legal markers for a wrongful death suit: a duty of care (all drivers owe each other that), a breach of that duty (driving drunk), and a direct connection between that breach and the fatal outcome.
Example Involving Medical Malpractice
Let’s say a woman goes to the hospital with chest pain. She’s sent home without proper testing. A day later, she dies of a heart attack. Later reviews show that any competent physician would have ordered further evaluation. The family can now bring a wrongful death lawsuit for medical malpractice.
Cases like these are often more complex because proving negligence in healthcare settings takes time and expert testimony. But they’re also very real—and tragically, not uncommon.
A Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron can connect families with trusted medical experts to build a strong, evidence-backed case. Having that support early makes all the difference.
Wrongful Death from a Dangerous Product
Consider a faulty airbag in a car that fails to deploy during a collision. If that failure leads to death, the manufacturer could be liable. The family may pursue compensation through a product liability-based wrongful death lawsuit.
These cases often involve corporate defendants, which means more resistance and deeper pockets. Having legal counsel who’s experienced in dealing with manufacturers, insurance companies, and technical product issues is critical.
Workplace Death and Employer Negligence
In another example, a construction worker falls from faulty scaffolding. Investigation later reveals that the site manager skipped mandatory safety inspections. This could form the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit against the employer or site owner—depending on who was responsible for the unsafe conditions.
These cases often overlap with workers’ compensation laws, so it’s vital to work with a legal team that understands both sides of the coin. That’s where Perron Law Office steps in, offering local expertise in Minnesota’s wrongful death statutes and labour protections.
Police Misconduct and Civil Rights Violations
Some wrongful death claims stem from law enforcement actions. If excessive force or unjustified actions result in death, surviving family members can bring a lawsuit under both wrongful death and civil rights statutes.
These are emotionally charged and legally complex cases. They often involve government entities and strict filing deadlines. Having a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle sensitive cases with professionalism and care is absolutely essential.
Why These Examples Matter
It’s one thing to understand the legal definition of wrongful death. It’s another to see what that looks like in real life. These examples show how wrongful death cases can touch every corner of daily life—roads, hospitals, job sites, even our interactions with public institutions.
Each one also illustrates the types of evidence needed: witness testimony, medical records, expert opinions, safety reports, and more. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of a fair settlement—or a successful outcome in court if needed.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Case?
Start by documenting everything. Save medical bills, incident reports, police records, texts, voicemails—anything that might shed light on what happened and why. Next, speak with a qualified attorney. Someone who knows wrongful death law in Minnesota and has real experience handling these types of cases.
Mark Perron, a leading Minneapolis personal injury lawyer, offers compassionate, clear-eyed advice to families who are hurting and looking for answers. At Perron Law Office, you won’t be treated like a case file—you’ll be heard, respected, and guided every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Wrongful death lawsuits aren’t about revenge. They’re about accountability and helping grieving families recover—not just emotionally, but financially. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness or bad decisions, you deserve answers and support.
Need help figuring out your next steps? Reach out to Mark Perron at Perron Law Office to schedule a free consultation and get a clear picture of what your options are. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.
