Cleveland Wrongful Death Attorney

Caring Representation for Bereaved Families in Ohio

After a wrongful death, everyone is left reeling.

In addition to the severe emotional trauma caused by this sudden loss, the family is faced with the many complex legal and financial questions arising from the premature death of a loved one. At this point, it is absolutely vital for family members to secure the advice of a Cleveland wrongful death lawyer to guide them through this difficult time.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have been helping bereaved families throughout Ohio since 1946 and have recovered billions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients.

If someone was responsible for the death of your loved one, you need to examine your options. Call our firm today at (216) 600-0114 to learn more in a free consultation.

What Does Wrongful Death Mean?

A "wrongful death" is one that is caused by someone else's negligence. This can happen either through an action or inaction.

It may be:

• A drunk driver
• The manufacturer of a defective product
• The builder of an unstable structure
• A doctor who failed to diagnose a fatal disease

Wrongful death litigation is a recourse for individuals who have lost loved ones through the fault of another. The laws that define wrongful death and determine its application are detailed in Chapter 2125 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Is it time for you to call a wrongful death attorney in Ohio? Our firm can help. Call Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP to discover your options.

Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges

It is important to note that wrongful death claims are not related to criminal cases involving murder or manslaughter. If criminal charges are filed, they are handled separately in a criminal court. They also only concern whether a defendant is guilty of committing a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Wrongful death actions, on the other hand, are filed by eligible family members in civil court, and seek to prove that another’s negligence more likely than not caused death, that they suffered damages as a result, and that the at-fault party is liable for those losses.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit 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, however, only certain individuals are legally allowed to pursue a wrongful death action.

These individuals include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents

Although other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, are not presumed by statutory law to have suffered losses when a relative dies, they may be able to recover compensation if they are able to illustrate the nature of their relationship and prove they suffered a compensable loss.

Ohio Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we understand that it can be difficult to come to grips with a major loss and to begin the process of pursuing a wrongful death claim. However, statutes of limitations apply, and waiting too long may permanently impair your ability to pursue compensation in the future.

In Ohio, you have two years from the date of the wrongful death to file a lawsuit. Don't wait until the last minute.

Damages & Financial Compensation

Those who have gone through the life-altering event of losing a loved one may be entitled to receive substantial monetary compensation aimed to alleviate damages suffered, such as:

• Loss of financial support from the decedent.
• Loss of the decedent’s company, such as companionship, consortium, care, advice, protection, training, education.
• Mental anguish suffered by the next of kin.
• Loss of services of the decedent.

Ohio’s wrongful death statute is important because it allows people to hold wrongdoers accountable for irresponsible, reckless, negligent, or dangerously careless actions. When corporations, businesses, and other entities cut corners, people die or endure terrible injuries, and lives are often forever altered.

Those who suffer the consequences, such as the loss of a loved one, have the ability to pursue justice and restitution through wrongful death litigation according to Ohio's wrongful death statute.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation

At Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber LLP, our wrongful death attorneys in Ohio have the legal skill to simplify the process of making sure everyone is provided for. Of course, money will never replace a lost parent, child, sibling, or other family member, but it can restore lost income and pay for medical bills, as well a cover funeral costs and even mental anguish.

Need a lawyer? Contact a top wrongful death attorney in Cleveland today. Call our firm at (216) 600-0114 for a free case evaluation.