The unexpected loss of a loved one is always difficult. On top of the emotional pain and grief, there are also funeral arrangements to be made and worries around financial uncertainty. But if someone else’s negligence led to the death of your family member, you may be able to pursue legal action.
A Hamilton wrongful death lawyer can help you hold the right person responsible and recover compensation for your losses so that you can regain financial stability. Shore Law’s legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and will provide professional legal advice that you can rely on.
Our Hamilton personal injury lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience and have already secured $250 million for clients across the nation. We know exactly how to handle your case.
Wrongful Death Cases We Can Help With
Wrongful death can happen for a number of reasons. Whether it was an unavoidable accident or the negligence of another person that led to your loss, our attorneys can support you. We have experience with cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Premises accidents
Our wrongful death lawyers in Hamilton are happy to discuss your case in further detail, regardless of the situation. Even if your particular circumstances aren’t listed above, we can still answer your questions and work with you to seek compensation.
Determining Liability for Wrongful Death
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, a wrongful death claim arises when death is caused by the neglect, wrongful act, or default of another party. As such, liability is often determined based on another person’s actions or failure to act.
It is also based on whether the person responsible could have otherwise been held liable for any injuries in the event the victim had survived. So, if they could have been held accountable for a personal injury claim, they will likely be responsible for a wrongful death claim too.
To help determine and ultimately prove liability, you usually need strong evidence backing up your claim. This may include accident reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs, surveillance footage, police reports, and more. A wrongful death attorney can help you gather this evidence and present your case with clarity and confidence.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?
According to Ohio law, a wrongful death claim may be filed by a personal representative of the deceased, otherwise known as the executor of the person’s estate. The representative files the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries, who benefit from any settlement amount.
Beneficiaries may include surviving family members, such as a spouse, child, parent, or any other relatives who may be eligible for compensation.
As part of Ohio’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file the claim. However, this can occasionally be extended based on a few exceptions. For example, under Ohio’s discovery rule, the statute of limitations may not begin until the cause of death has been determined.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Hamilton Approaches Your Claim
At Shore Law, we understand how delicate these cases can be. Because of this understanding, our attorneys know how to handle your situation with compassion, taking the time to listen to your needs and carefully outline your options.
Here’s how we make the process easier for you:
- In-depth investigation: We’ll gather and review the evidence related to your loved one’s death. This will help to inform our strategy as we move forward through the legal process.
- Establishing liability: With your testimony and the evidence we’ve found, we’ll be able to narrow down potential liable parties, identifying who may be responsible for the accident.
- Estimating losses: Based on the economic and non-economic damages you’ve faced after losing your loved one, our legal team will calculate an accurate estimate of what you should be owed. We’ll look at things like burial expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and more.
- Negotiating a settlement: The insurance company may look for ways to reduce your payout. We’ll fight these tactics and argue for a fairer settlement.
- Trial representation: Should your case go to court, our legal team will be right beside you, ready to present your case and advocate for you and your family.
Our decades of local experience put us in the best position to defend your case. We approach wrongful death claims with professionalism and empathy, giving you the respect you deserve during this difficult time.
Get the Compassionate Legal Support You Need
Wrongful death claims can be fraught with lengthy legal battles and aggressive negotiations, which is exactly what you don’t want after suffering such a loss. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still pursue compensation.
Instead, have a Hamilton wrongful death lawyer handle everything on your behalf. Our founding attorney, Megan Shore, is a recognized leader in helping clients secure the money they’re owed as a direct result of someone else’s neglect.
Reach out to our team today and book a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and provide legal advice you can trust.
