Our current extreme heat motivated me to look into statistics about weather-related deaths as well as what is called “unexpected death” here in the United States. It’s not an upbeat topic but a realistic one. You might find this information surprising. I did.
- Did you know that extremely high temperatures, such as what we’re experiencing in about half of the U.S. right now, are more dangerous than frigid temperatures during winter months? Of course, compromised individuals, those with underlying heart issues, for example, are at higher risk in either condition. Still, anyone can be struck down by heatstroke. Even someone considered healthy. Over 2,300 people died of heatstroke in 2023 alone.
- What percentage of the U.S. population dies “unexpectedly” – meaning in a car accident, a sudden heart attack, accidental poisoning, etc.? According to one study, approximately 15% of all deaths in working-age adults in the U.S. are sudden and unexpected. That surprised me. Note that “Working-age” refers to individuals aged 18-64. So, this doesn’t include seniors or those diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
Why am I bringing up these dreary stats? As an estate planning attorney, I know that none of us can predict what tomorrow holds, which is why I encourage my clients to have an estate plan and to ensure it is kept up-to-date. These stats, sadly, back me up, at least for those whose lives were unexpectedly cut short. Any one of us, of any age, occupation, etc., could die at any time. No one wants to think about this, of course, but consider that only about 50% of adults in the U.S. have a will; it explains why every year, so many families are faced with not only heart-wrenching grief but a complicated and potentially expensive situation if a loved one dies intestate (meaning without having a legally valid will). The 55-year-old man who decides to play that extra round of golf when the heat index is well over 100 may die suddenly on the course. The busy mom, delayed at work, ran a red light while speeding to reach the daycare center before it closed. There are a myriad of situations every day in which each of us could lose our life, and thank goodness, the majority of us don’t. But having your estate plan, complete with a living will, healthcare directives, and more, will give you more peace of mind than you can imagine. You’ll know that if something unexpected happens to you, you have taken the steps to protect your assets and, more importantly, your loved ones.
Death is part of life, and sadly, it is inevitable. By acknowledging that and meeting with me to get your affairs in order now, you are honoring the lives of your loved ones. Give me a call at 513-399-7526 or visit my website, www.davidlefton.com