October 7, 2025 | Wrongful death

There are no words to describe what losing a loved one is like. It’s not only emotionally and psychologically devastating but also comes with economic implications. This is especially the case when your loved one contributed to the finances in the home. It can be even harder to deal with the death of a loved one when it was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party. At High & Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’re committed to helping grieving families pursue justice and hold the liable parties accountable.

Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

• Motor vehicle accidents

Thousands of motor vehicle accidents occur throughout the country daily. These types of accidents are amongst the leading causes of wrongful death claims in Omaha and throughout Nebraska. They can result from distracted driving, driving while impaired, speeding, reckless driving and failure to follow traffic laws amongst many other reasons. Nebraska laws permit the survivors of motor vehicle accidents to pursue the negligent driver for compensation.

• Medical malpractice

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have a duty of care to their patients. They are also required to provide a standard level of care. Failure to do this can result in medical malpractice. Medical malpractice cases may involve incidents such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication mistakes or even delayed treatment. These mistakes can be costly. They can result in catastrophic injuries and death. Medical malpractice cases involving wrongful death are often complex. They often require expert testimony to prove negligence.

• Workplace accidents

Fatal workplace incidents can occur in any industry. However, there are industries that are inherently risky such as construction, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Some workplace accidents that can result in the death of workers include falls from heights, equipment malfunctions and even motor vehicle accidents. Workers may also develop health conditions as a result of work conditions that result in their eventual death. For example workers exposed to hazardous materials at work may develop illnesses such as cancer and die. The bereaved family may pursue compensation through workers’ compensation. However, if a third party was responsible, they may pursue a third-party claim for wrongful death.

• Defective products

Manufacturers have a duty to produce products that are safe for the application they are intended for. When a product is poorly designed, manufactured incorrectly or lacks proper safety warnings, it can lead to deadly accidents. Common examples of this include defective auto parts, faulty medical devices or dangerous household products. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers can all potentially be held liable in wrongful death actions involving defective products.

• Nursing home neglect or abuse

Elderly residents in nursing homes rely on caregivers to ensure their safety and well-being. When neglect or abuse occurs such as in failure to provide medical care, malnutrition, dehydration or physical abuse, it can tragically result in wrongful death. Families can hold the nursing home facility as well as individual healthcare workers liable for the wrongful death of their loved one.

• Criminal acts and intentional harm

If a loved one dies as a result of the intentional or criminal acts of another party, the bereaved family may seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Criminal acts or intentionally harmful actions may include assault, homicide or violent crimes. Wrongful death claims are separate from criminal charges. Wrongful death claims are civil actions against the individuals who caused the death of the victim.

How Wrongful Death Cases Affect Families – A Take from Both Sides

Wrongful death cases have far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. While the bereaved family suffers a significant and obvious loss, the families on the side of the liable parties also suffer loss and other impacts. Below we take a look at some of the implications of a wrongful death case on the families on either side of the law.

Effects of a wrongful death on the bereaved family:

• Emotional devastation from the loss of a loved one. Families suffer profound grief, trauma and psychological distress that may last a lifetime.
• Financial hardship due to the immediate expenses including medical bills as well as funeral and burial costs. They may also suffer in the long term due to the loss of income and benefits.
• Loss of companionship and support
• Legal challenges as they navigate the legal system in pursuit of justice.

Effects of a wrongful death on the defendant’s family:

• Emotional burden as a result of shame and fear. This is especially when the case is public or involves criminal charges.
• Financial strain as the defendant will be subject to financial liability. The burden of paying compensation will be felt by the entire family as they lose assets and other income.
• Relationships are likely to become strained

The attorneys at High & Younes LLC bring a powerful combination of legal experience, compassion and determination to every wrongful death case. Contact us today to schedule free consultation and learn how we can help.

Omaha Wrongful Death Lawyers