Cleveland Wrongful Death Attorneys
Advocating for Families of Wrongful Death Victims in Cleveland
If you lost a loved one, you are undoubtedly going through a challenging and emotional time. If the negligent actions of another caused this devastating loss, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim to recover monetary damages. Hiring a Cleveland personal injury attorney is a crucial step in this process.
At George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law, our experienced Cleveland wrongful death attorneys can provide the legal support you need to pursue a claim and hold the responsible party accountable. Martindale-Hubbell recognized head attorney George Mineff, Jr. as a 2023 Client Champion for outstanding client service. Additionally, George Mineff III has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers twice, in 2021 and 2023.
Call our office at (216) 621-3930 to learn more about your legal options.
Common Accidents That Result in Wrongful Death
There are numerous accidents that could result in wrongful death, and our law firm has extensive knowledge in presenting these cases successfully. These are some of the most common wrongful death accidents:
- Car accidents: Thousands of people die in car accidents every year across the country. In many cases, a negligent driver is to blame. The manufacturer could be liable for any injuries if a defective part were to blame.
- Truck accidents: Unlike car accidents, which are usually more straightforward, multiple parties could be liable for a truck accident. In addition to the driver, the trucking company, truck manufacturer, or truck maintenance company could be liable.
- Pedestrian accidents: If a negligent driver hits a pedestrian while they are crossing the road, they could be liable for their death.
- Construction site accidents: Construction sites are incredibly dangerous. If a fatal accident occurs, there are many parties that could potentially be liable, including the construction company or the manufacturer of any defective construction products.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s Wrongful Death Statute severely limits who can file a wrongful death claim. Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file this type of claim. If one does not exist, the probate court will appoint a representative. The representative must be a person and not a corporation. If successful, the following surviving family members could receive compensation:
- The spouse
- The children, both biological and formally adopted
- The parents
There is also a time limit for filing this type of claim. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years.
Forms of Compensation Available to Surviving Family Members
Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit could cover a variety of losses, both tangible and intangible, including:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost future earnings from the deceased person
- Medical expenses the deceased person incurred before death
- Loss of services the decedent provided, such as chores and help with raising children
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of inheritance
- Mental anguish and stress
In cases where all surviving family members are related to the decedent by the same degree, compensation would be evenly split among them. If not, the court will use its discretion to determine how funds should be divided among surviving family members.
Your Trusted Cleveland Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, do not hesitate to consult an experienced Cleveland wrongful death lawyer. The George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law team in Cleveland, Ohio, is dedicated to helping families navigate the legal process.
We understand that no amount of compensation can make up for your loss, but you deserve help getting through this difficult time. Reach out to us today at (216) 621-3930 to schedule a free initial consultation.