Whenever a family is faced with a wrongful death, either due to an accident or criminal activity, managing the legal complications of trying to secure compensation and hold any responsible parties accountable can be difficult.
The best advice that family members facing this situation can get is to use an experienced attorney who has handled wrongful death cases before and knows how to navigate both the legal system and complex emotions associated with it.
When engaging an attorney, family members should make sure to ask questions about their financial success when it comes to providing compensation for victims’ families, as well as how their compassionate approach has helped deceased individuals’ survivors cope better with the tragedy. A wrongful death attorney provides essential counsel for those seeking justice and prevents victims’ families from getting lost in a confusing maze of legal documentation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit In Ohio?
In Ohio, family members of decedents who have died due to negligence or wrongful acts have the right to seek legal compensation. According to Ohio law, the only individuals who are legally allowed to pursue a wrongful death action are the surviving spouses, parents, and children of deceased victims. Any siblings of the deceased will also be eligible to file a wrongful death suit if it is agreed upon by all other surviving family members.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to recover damages for losses suffered by bereaved family members as a result of their loved one's untimely passing. Though financial restitution cannot restore a loss of life, it does bring closure and justice for those affected by wrongful actions such as medical malpractice or workplace accidents.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death claims are one of the most complex legal cases to pursue. Financial compensation for a family after their loved one has died due to another’s negligence can never make up for the tragedy, but it may provide the family some financial security or peace of mind by knowing that justice is being served.
In a wrongful death case, families typically seek compensation for medical expenses incurred due to treatment, loss of income and financial support that would have been contributed by their loved one if still alive, as well as suffering experienced by survivors and punitive damages due to extreme recklessness or intentional harm.
It's important to speak with an experienced attorney if you believe your family is entitled to such recovery in order to ensure the right process is followed and reclaim the reparations owed. Our Cleveland wrongful death attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP are here to help you.
Discuss your case with our team by calling us at (216) 600-0114.