Boardman Wrongful Death Lawyer

When an injury proves fatal, the consequences for surviving loved ones can be devastating. Beyond the emotional anguish of losing someone, the surviving spouse, children, and other family members may face serious financial hardships. If you lost someone dear to you because of someone else’s negligence, you can work with a Boardman wrongful death lawyer to find the accountability and compensation that you are owed. 

A Law Firm Dedicated to Pursuing Justice and Accountability

Wrongful death claims are always emotionally and legally complex, which is why we treat our clients with compassion while focusing on holding the negligent party liable for the harm they cause. During an unimaginably difficult period, a fair settlement can relieve much of the financial stress you are under while providing you with the accountability you need to begin healing. 

Gervelis Law Firm Here For You
When You Need
Us Most.

schedule consultation

We can remove you from the complexities of the wrongful death claim process so you can focus on settling affairs and grieving. At every step of the process, the wrongful death attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm can keep you updated on important matters so you understand where we are in the process and the potential outcomes of your case. Trust our team to secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward and rebuild. 

Understanding Wrongful Deaths in Boardman

Wrongful deaths can occur in Forest Glen, Vintage Place, The Highlands, or any other neighborhood in Boardman. The rate of assault in Boardman is 1.771 per 1,000 people in town, and the murder rate is 0.05 per 1,000 locals in a typical year. Homicides can lead to wrongful death claims, even when the assailant is facing criminal charges. 

In 2025, there were 105 people seriously hurt in Mahoning County, and 17 people lost their lives due to traffic collisions. Distracted driving can also cause deadly crashes. In 2023, 3,275 people lost their lives due to someone’s failure to pay attention to the road while driving. With the right approach and legal representation, surviving loved ones can be compensated for the financial hardships and emotional harm they suffer following a wrongful death.

Compensation You May Be Owed

A wrongful death can lead to a wide range of hardships and setbacks. When you work with an experienced wrongful death attorney, you may be eligible to receive compensation for tangible losses and the intangible emotional harm you and your family suffered. Economic damages can address losses tied to funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of services. 

A fair settlement may also account for intangible losses, such as loss of companionship and the mental anguish suffered by surviving family members. These cases are brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving beneficiaries such as a spouse, children, or parents. Once certain debts are paid, the settlement is distributed to lawful beneficiaries. 

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death cases are highly emotional. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, you gain the steady support of a legal advocate who has managed these types of cases before. An experienced attorney can explain Ohio’s wrongful death laws and the potential outcomes of your wrongful death claim. 

These cases often hinge on the quality of the evidence and your Boardman wrongful death attorney’s ability to establish fault and measurable harm clearly. If the defendant tries to dispute liability, your attorney can focus on the evidence to set the record straight, so your family receives the justice and accountability that they deserve. 

FAQs

Q: What Is the Burden of Proof in an Ohio Wrongful Death Claim?

A: As with other personal injury cases, a wrongful death claim is decided based on a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful acts caused the death. Intent does not play a role in these cases. The wrongful death claim must establish duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. 

Q: Who Pays Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: Damages are typically paid by the at-fault party or, more commonly, their insurance carrier. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the defendant could be a driver, property owner, medical provider, employee, or the suspect in a crime. In some cases, multiple parties may share financial responsibility for causing or contributing to someone’s death. 

Q: Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?

A: In Ohio, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The claim is brought on behalf of surviving beneficiaries, which often include a spouse, children, and parents. Other next of kin may also recover damages if they can demonstrate a loss resulting from the death. Once a settlement is reached, beneficiaries may be eligible to receive compensation from that lump sum payment. 

Q: What Are the Three Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Ohio?

A: Wrongful deaths occur for many reasons, but some are more common than others. Distracted driving led to 3,275 roadway deaths across the country in 2023. Beyond car collisions, falls and assaults are common causes of preventable deaths in the country. Regardless of the cause of a death, a successful wrongful death claim must show that the defendant’s actions directly caused someone’s death.

Protect Your Rights. Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today

The process of gathering evidence and filing a wrongful death claim is highly complex. If your family is seeking compensation following the preventable death of a loved one, you can rely on the legal team at Gervelis Law Firm to provide you with focused, results-driven representation. Our lawyers bring decades of combined legal experience to these matters. We understand what types of evidence will hold up in court and how to hold the defendant accountable in court. 

When you work with our legal team, you gain the unwavering support of lawyers who care about your case. Justice can come in the form of fair compensation. Once you meet with one of our lead attorneys, we can learn about the hardships you have faced. Then, we can tailor the right approach to your case so you receive a settlement that truly reflects your losses. Don’t delay beginning the process. Contact our office today to schedule your initial case review.