Accidental deaths are tragic and leave families searching for answers about what went wrong and why. Most wrongful deaths are preventable and can be traced back to negligence or unsafe conditions in some shape or form.
Almost any personal injury accident can cause fatal injuries. However, certain types of accidents are more likely to cause wrongful death than others. The sections below discuss the most common causes of accidental death in Minnesota.
Car Accidents Are Among the Leading Causes of Wrongful Death
Vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of accidental fatalities in Minnesota.
Fatal collisions typically involve one or more reckless driving behaviors, including:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
Minnesota winters can also create hazardous driving conditions, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed for snow and ice.
Falls Routinely Result in Accidental Fatalities
Falls are another leading cause of accidental death, particularly among older adults.
Serious slips and falls can result in life-threatening injuries and long-term complications. Fatal falls often occur because of dangerous property conditions that should have been repaired or addressed.
Common causes of fatal falls include:
- Unsafe stairways
- Broken sidewalks
- Uneven pavement
- Wet or slippery floors
- Poor lighting
- Missing handrails
- Unsafe construction areas
- Ice and snow accumulation
Falls frequently result in severe injuries to the head, back, and hips, each of which can contribute to catastrophic or fatal harm.
Workplace Accidents Are a Frequent Source of Accidental Death
Workplace accidents are one of the top causes of accidental death in Minnesota. Certain occupations expose workers to dangerous conditions on a daily basis. Construction workers and industrial/manufacturing employees are common examples.
Fatal workplace accidents regularly involve:
- Falls from heights
- Machinery accidents
- Electrocution
- Vehicle collisions
- Falling objects
- Explosions
- Chemical exposure
- Crushing injuries
Construction sites are particularly dangerous because workers frequently operate around heavy equipment, elevated surfaces, and hazardous materials.
Many workplace accidents are due to unsafe conditions on the jobsite, including actions and omissions that violate OSHA safety standards.
Medical Malpractice Incidents Also Cause Preventable Fatalities
Medical errors contribute to many preventable deaths each year. According to research from Johns Hopkins, medical malpractice is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
Medical professionals have a duty to provide medical care in accordance with accepted treatment standards. Malpractice fatalities can often be traced back to substandard care that deviates from these standards.
Fatal medical malpractice injuries/conditions can occur in any procedure or treatment, including:
- Surgical mistakes
- Delayed diagnoses
- Misdiagnosis
- Medication errors
- Emergency room negligence
- Birth injuries
- Anesthesia errors
- Failure to monitor patients properly
Some medical malpractice cases involve conditions that could have been successfully treated if diagnosed earlier. Others involve preventable surgical complications or medication mistakes that lead to fatal outcomes.
Contact the St. Cloud Wrongful Death Lawyers at Hall Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most difficult experiences a family can endure, especially when the death may have been preventable. If this describes your situation, you may have a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
For more information, please contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
