Losing a child is one of the most devastating events any parent could ever face. And when a child dies as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grief can be even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, wrongful death accidents involving children happen all too often in Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding areas.
Whether it’s due to a car accident, a dangerous product, a medical mistake, or any other kind of negligence, these tragedies can leave families struggling to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common causes of wrongful death accidents involving children in Buffalo, NY, and what legal options families have to seek justice and compensation.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death accidents involving children in Buffalo, NY. Children are particularly vulnerable to injuries in car accidents because of their smaller size and lack of proper restraint systems. According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children under the age of 15.
Some of the common causes of car accidents that lead to the wrongful death of a child include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic laws. If your child was killed in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties.
Dangerous Products
Defective or dangerous products can also cause wrongful death accidents involving children. This can include anything from defective car seats and cribs to toys with choking hazards or toxic materials. Manufacturers and sellers have a legal duty to ensure that their products are safe for use, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can also lead to wrongful death accidents involving children. This can include mistakes made during childbirth, surgical errors, medication errors, misdiagnosis, and failure to diagnose a medical condition. Medical malpractice claims can be complex, but if your child’s death was caused by a healthcare provider’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Other Causes
Wrongful death accidents involving children can also occur in other situations, such as swimming pool accidents, playground accidents, and dog bites. Whatever the cause of your child’s death, it’s important to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney to explore your legal options.
Legal Options for Families
If your child has died as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. In New York, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members.
Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include damages for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income and future earning potential, and pain and suffering. While no amount of money can ever truly compensate for the loss of a child, a wrongful death claim can provide some financial security for families struggling to cope with the aftermath of a tragedy.
In addition to pursuing a wrongful death claim, families can also take steps to prevent future tragedies. This can include advocating for stronger safety regulations, supporting organizations that work to prevent child injuries, and raising awareness about the causes and consequences of wrongful death accidents involving children.
For example, parents can take steps to protect their children in car accidents by using age-appropriate car seats and booster seats, ensuring that seat belts are properly adjusted, and avoiding distractions while driving. Parents can also take steps to prevent playground accidents by supervising their children, ensuring that equipment is properly maintained, and reporting any hazards or concerns to park officials.
In Buffalo, NY, there are several organizations that work to prevent child injuries and promote child safety. For example, the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo provides education and resources to families, healthcare providers, and community members to prevent child injuries. The Safe Kids Western New York Coalition also works to prevent child injuries through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
By taking action to prevent future tragedies and support families who have experienced a wrongful death accident involving a child, we can work to create a safer and more just community for all. If you or someone you know has been affected by a wrongful death accident involving a child in Buffalo, NY, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney for help and support.
As a law firm located in Buffalo, NY, we at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases involving children. Our skilled attorneys have helped many families seek justice and compensation after the loss of a child due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
When it comes to wrongful death cases involving children in Buffalo, NY, we can help in several ways. First, we will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and who may be responsible. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
We also work closely with families to evaluate the damages and losses suffered as a result of the child’s wrongful death. This includes medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income and future earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Our attorneys will advocate tirelessly on behalf of our clients to ensure that they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. This can involve negotiating with insurance companies or litigating the case in court.
We understand that losing a child is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience, and we are committed to providing compassionate support to families throughout the legal process. We also believe in preventing future tragedies by advocating for stronger safety regulations and supporting organizations that work to prevent child injuries.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a wrongful death accident involving a child in Buffalo, NY, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help and support.