Wrongful Death

Cleveland wrongful death attorney serving families throughout Ohio. Your case matters.

The death of a loved one due to the reckless behavior or negligent actions of another person or company can be devastating. Not only are you grieving the loss of a loved one, but you also may be extremely worried about your future. How will you make sure you and your family avoid severe financial hardship as you move forward?

In Ohio, families reeling from the loss of a loved one routinely rely on Merriman Legal, LLC, to help them resolve their wrongful death case. Located in Cleveland and serving families throughout the state, our experienced Ohio wrongful death attorneys have years of experience successfully resolving such complex cases.

Some families hesitate to contact a law firm soon after a fatal accident. We understand your concerns. And that’s precisely why we want you to contact us as soon as possible. We can deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on what really matters – grieving the loss of a loved one.

In one wrongful death claim we handled, we helped secure a $3.5 million judgment on behalf of a client. The case is The Estate of John Blaney v. Rick Scott Trucking Company, et al. Our client worked as a laborer working on the premises of his employer. He died after being hit by a tractor trailer truck that was making a delivery on the premises owned by the employer.

What is a wrongful death?

Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe the death of someone due to the negligence or reckless behavior of another person or business. Establishing that another person or company made mistakes which resulted in the death of another person can be extremely complicated.

In this type of claim, the family as a group can seek to recover damages (financial compensation) for the loss of love and companionship, as well as the economic impact of the loss of a loved one’s income.

Determining the financial impact of the loss of a loved one can be a difficult process, but our experienced attorneys can help. We can explain all the legal options available to you. That way, your family can make intelligent choices and pursue the smartest legal strategy.

What are common causes of wrongful deaths?

Wrongful death cases occur for many reasons. Some of the most common wrongful death cases we handle at Merriman Legal, LLC, involve:

Whatever the cause of your wrongful death, no matter how complicated or straightforward it might seem, make sure you get the legal advice you need to protect your family’s rights. Make sure you contact Merriman Legal, LLC.

Should I file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Whether your loved one died in a fatal car accident or due to a preventable construction accident, there’s no easy answer to this seemingly simple question. Sometimes, filing a wrongful death lawsuit is the best way for your family to obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve for the death of a loved one.

But other legal options exist. Discuss your case with an attorney before filing a lawsuit or taking any other legal action after the untimely death of a spouse, child or another immediate family member.

An important factor to consider is the financial impact of the loss of a loved one if the deceased had survived. Whatever settlement or verdict you accept should take into account the true financial impact for the immediate future – and decades to come in many instances.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the death. This means that you must file your lawsuit within this two-year period, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, it’s best to act fast. The sooner you consult with our attorneys, the easier it will be to gather evidence before it disappears and statements from witnesses while their memories are fresh.

What damages can I recover in an Ohio wrongful death case?

In Ohio, you can recover economic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

Lost income or wages the deceased would have earned.
Medical expenses incurred before death.
Funeral and burial costs.
Loss of services the deceased would have provided, such as childcare and other contributions to the family.
Loss of inheritance.

In addition, you can recover non-economic damages, such as:

Loss of companionship and support.
Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death.
Emotional distress caused by your loved one’s death.
Loss of consortium.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio?

To file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio, you must be a surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased person. In some cases, siblings may be able to file if no other immediate family members are available. If the deceased had a will, the executor or personal representative can file on behalf of the estate.

Why should I hire an Ohio wrongful death attorney to handle my case?

The unexpected death of a loved one can be a traumatic event. The last thing your family needs to deal with is a long, complicated legal battle. That’s why families in Cleveland, Columbus and throughout Ohio routinely rely on us to pursue the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Remember, your loved one didn’t do anything wrong. Your family shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Your case is about more than just money. It’s about holding people accountable for their actions. It’s about justice. We want to help you take action that could ultimately prevent similar acts of negligence from happening in the future.

Our law firm knows how to thoroughly investigate cases involve fatal accidents. We know what questions to ask, what information to look for and how to compile that information into a strong legal argument. Schedule a no cost consultation with our law firm today. Call 866-823-3332.