Proving Liability in Wrongful Death Cases: Essential Elements and Burden of Proof

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a person can face, and when that loss happens because of someone else’s actions or negligence, it becomes even more painful. Wrongful death cases are legal claims that allow families to seek justice when someone is responsible for causing the death of a family member. These cases can be complex, and proving liability in a wrongful death case requires understanding the essential elements and burden of proof. When a wrongful death occurs, it is necessary to show that certain legal standards are met to hold someone accountable. This is a process that requires patience and care, as every step matters in determining who is at fault. Wyant Law provides compassionate and dedicated legal support to families pursuing justice in wrongful death cases, guiding them through every step of the legal process.

Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies due to the actions or inactions of another. These claims often come up in cases involving accidents, medical errors, or situations where someone’s intentional or reckless behavior led to a fatal outcome. To successfully bring a wrongful death case to court, it is necessary to prove that the person or entity responsible had a duty of care, that this duty was breached, and that the breach led directly to the person’s death. This is not always easy to demonstrate, and that is why understanding the process and legal requirements is so important. If a family can prove these elements, they may be able to recover compensation for their loss, which can include funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional pain.

Understanding the Duty of Care in Wrongful Death Cases

The first step in proving liability in a wrongful death case is showing that the person or organization had a duty of care. This means that the individual or group responsible had an obligation to act in a way that would not cause harm to others. For example, a doctor has a duty to provide a certain standard of care to their patients. A driver on the road has a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely. In wrongful death cases, the family must demonstrate that the person who caused the death had such a responsibility toward the deceased. This element is often the foundation of the case because it establishes the legal relationship between the parties involved.

Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you. 

With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.

 

In some cases, the duty of care is clear, such as when a driver ignores traffic signals and causes an accident that leads to death. Other times, the duty of care may not be as obvious. For example, in a medical malpractice case, it must be shown that the healthcare provider did not meet the required standard of care, which may be more challenging to prove. Regardless of the circumstances, this duty is the starting point for any wrongful death claim. Without it, there is no legal basis to hold someone accountable for the loss.

How Breach of Duty Leads to Liability

Once it is established that a duty of care existed, the next step is proving that this duty was breached. A breach occurs when the person responsible fails to meet their legal obligation. This can happen through actions or lack of action. For instance, a driver who speeds through a red light has clearly breached their duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. In a workplace setting, an employer who fails to provide a safe environment for employees might be in breach of their duty to ensure safety. In each case, the person failed to live up to their legal responsibility, and this failure led to harm.

Proving a breach of duty can be straightforward in some cases, like car accidents where the at-fault driver broke traffic laws. In other instances, like medical malpractice, the breach may be more difficult to prove because it requires showing that the healthcare provider did not follow accepted medical standards. This is a crucial part of the wrongful death case because it shows that the person who caused the death did something wrong. Without proving this breach, it is impossible to hold them liable for the death.

My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”

- Kathaleen Boyce

Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."

- Rita Bridge

God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."

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Causation: Connecting the Breach to the Death

In addition to proving that a duty of care was breached, it is necessary to show that the breach directly caused the person’s death. This is known as causation. It is not enough to show that the responsible party acted negligently or recklessly; it must also be proven that their actions led to the death. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits another car, it must be shown that this specific action was the cause of the fatal injuries. If the person who died had a preexisting medical condition that caused their death, it may be more difficult to prove causation, especially if the negligent behavior did not directly contribute to the fatal outcome.

In many wrongful death cases, causation is one of the most contested elements. The person or group responsible may argue that the death occurred for reasons unrelated to their actions. They may claim that other factors played a role, such as the deceased person’s health or the actions of other individuals. To overcome these defenses, it is necessary to present clear evidence that connects the breach of duty to the death itself. This may include witness testimony, medical records, and other forms of proof that demonstrate the direct link between the negligent behavior and the fatal outcome.

Understanding Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Once the essential elements of duty, breach, and causation are proven, the next step in a wrongful death case is determining the damages. Damages refer to the financial losses suffered by the surviving family members due to their loved one’s death. This can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible financial losses, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and the lost wages that the deceased would have earned if they had lived. Non-economic damages are harder to calculate, as they include the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the family, as well as the loss of companionship.

Calculating damages in wrongful death cases can be complex. It often involves looking at many factors, such as the age of the deceased, their earning potential, and the emotional toll on their family. It is essential to present strong evidence that shows how much the family has lost financially and emotionally. Without this, it may be difficult to recover the compensation the family needs to move forward after such a devastating loss.

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Burden of Proof in Wrongful Death Cases

In wrongful death cases, the burden of proof falls on the surviving family members or their legal representatives. This means that it is up to them to show that the person or group responsible should be held accountable for the death. The standard of proof in civil cases like wrongful death is typically lower than in criminal cases. In a criminal trial, the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” However, in a wrongful death case, the family must prove their case by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the evidence must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused the death.

While the burden of proof is lower in wrongful death cases, it still requires a clear presentation of the facts and evidence. Without sufficient proof, the family may not succeed in their claim. This is why gathering evidence, including eyewitness accounts, medical records, and other forms of documentation, is critical. Presenting a well-organized case that meets the legal standards is necessary for proving liability and recovering compensation for the family’s loss.

Seeking Justice and Closure for Your Family

Proving liability in a wrongful death case is a detailed and often emotional process. It requires showing that the person responsible had a duty of care, that they breached this duty, and that their breach led directly to the death. The surviving family must also demonstrate the damages they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. While the process can be difficult, it is an important step toward seeking justice and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

At Wyant Law, we understand the challenges that come with a wrongful death case. We are here to help you through the legal process, providing the support and guidance your family needs during this difficult time. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in pursuing justice for your family.