The Centers for Disease Control, the leading U.S. public health authority, says that the third-leading cause of death for all age groups is accidental death caused by intentional injuries. This is the top cause of death for ages 1-44 in West Virginia and throughout the country. Here is a survey of the most common causes of wrongful death in the United States as of 2021.
Drowning
Drowning impacts children the most as the primary cause of accidental death in those ages 1-4. In kids ages 5-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of death.
Unintentional falls
Out of every 100,000 people, unintentional falls account for 12 deaths. Seniors are most at risk of death by falling, with 56.5% of all deaths in the 65-85 age range occurring due to this cause.
Many unintentional falls, especially for seniors, occur in the home, such as entering and exiting the shower, which can create a slippery, unstable surface. In addition to causing death, unintentional falls also create devastating long-term health consequences, including broken hips in the elderly.
Car accidents
Car accidents round out the list of unintentional death. In 2019, 36,835 Americans died on the roadways, according to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This category includes accidents involving motorcycles, trucks and cars.
Fatal car accidents affect 11.5 out of every 100,000 individuals in the U.S. Frequently, drunk driving contributes to traffic fatalities as it impairs drivers’ ability to concentrate and react appropriately. In certain cases, crash victims involved in wrongful death auto accidents may be eligible for compensation through the legal system.
Accidental drowning, falls and auto collisions are the so-called “big three” leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. It may be possible for a victim’s loved ones to file legal claims against the party responsible for the death.
