Canton Wrongful Death Lawyer

The unexpected loss of a loved one can lead to devastation and financial hardships. Learning that someone’s neglect or misconduct caused that death could leave the surviving loved ones seeking justice and accountability. When you need accountability, hire a Canton wrongful death lawyer.

When you work with the dedicated team of injury lawyers at Gervelis Law Firm, you gain the steady support of advocates who understand the wrongful death process and how to guide you through it. 

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Helping Families Navigate the Wrongful Death Claims Process

Wrongful death cases are highly emotional and legally complex. While it may be abundantly apparent who caused your loved one’s death, gathering the evidence to build a successful claim can be challenging if you do not have strong legal representation.

The award-winning legal team at Gervelis Law Firm understands the complexities of wrongful death claims and how to guide surviving loved ones to the justice and compensation they deserve. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

What sets our law firm apart is our focus on representing injured clients and individuals whose loved ones were injured due to preventable accidents and wrongful acts. We treat these cases with compassion and attention to detail because we understand the stakes and the importance of holding the negligent party accountable. Justice can come in the form of fair compensation when you secure representation from our dedicated legal team. 

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Canton

Ohio’s wrongful death laws allow the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a claim on behalf of beneficiaries who typically include the surviving spouse, children, or other close relatives. The deadline for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. When someone’s death results from negligence or misconduct, the representative can pursue compensation on behalf of eligible family members.

The violent crime rate in Canton is 3.836 per 1,000 residents, and wrongful deaths can result from assaults and homicide. Across the country, 3,275 people died from collisions involving a distracted driver, marking another potential cause of a wrongful death. With medical errors leading to around 371,000 deaths per year in the United States, medical malpractice is another potential cause of a wrongful death.

Compensation You May Be Owed

A wrongful death can create financial and emotional hardships. The cost of funeral services at West Lawn, North Lawn, or Forest Hill Cemetery can be extensive, and there may be other expenses tied to settling the estate. If the deceased party worked and provided resources for a family, the financial harm could be immediate and devastating. 

When you file an injury claim with the help of an attorney, your family can be compensated for the tangible and intangible losses you suffered. Economic damages include expenses like burial costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, while non-economic damages can account for the emotional harm and trauma your family endured. A case that goes to trial could lead to punitive damages aimed at punishing the at-fault party for gross negligence or misconduct. 

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Whether you are dealing with a wrongful death in Vassar Park, Market Heights, Westbrook, or elsewhere in Canton, your financial stability in the years to come could depend on the strength of your wrongful death claim. Ohio’s wrongful death laws provide a pathway to justice and accountability, but only when court filings are backed by strong evidence and based on sound legal arguments. 

When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, you benefit from their understanding of wrongful death laws and how they could apply to your case. An attorney can work with you to gather the right evidence for your case before making crucial filings within stringent deadlines. If the at-fault party disputes liability or the other side tries to delay paying what you are owed, your attorney can take decisive action. 

FAQs

Q: What Must Be Proven in a Medical Malpractice Claim?

A: To prove a medical malpractice claim that led to a preventable death, the estate representative must generally establish four elements. First, a provider relationship existed, which created a duty of care. Second, the healthcare provider must have breached the accepted standard of care. Third, that breach must have directly caused harm. Finally, measurable damages must have resulted, such as additional medical expenses, lost income, disability, or pain and suffering. 

Q: Who Can Receive Compensation in an Ohio Wrongful Death Claim?

A: Under state law, a wrongful death action is a civil action filed by a personal representative of the estate for the benefit of certain surviving family members. The courts prioritize benefits for children and any living spouse. Other next of kin may also recover damages in some cases if they demonstrate a compensable loss. 

Q: What Are Common Causes of a Wrongful Death in Ohio?

A: Common causes of a wrongful death in Ohio include surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, assaults, car collisions, pedestrian accidents, workplace injuries, and falls. When someone’s negligence or wrongful acts cause the death, the at-fault party can be held liable for the harm they cause surviving loved ones. 

Q: What Types of Compensation Are Available in an Ohio Wrongful Death Claim?

A: Compensation in an Ohio wrongful death claim may include damages for loss of financial support, loss of services, loss of companionship, mental anguish suffered by surviving family members, and certain funeral and burial expenses. The court allocates damages among the beneficiaries based on the losses each person has sustained. A fair settlement should reflect the full scope of losses that loved ones suffered following a preventable death. 

Find the Justice and Closure Your Family Deserves by Contacting Gervelis Law Firm 

Nothing can undo the loss of a loved one. During a difficult period, the injury lawyers at Gervelis Law Firm can provide you with compassionate representation focused on holding the negligent party accountable for the harm they caused.

Our legal team understands the steps that are needed to gather evidence, calculate the value of a fair settlement, and aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. Take the first step by contacting our office today to learn how we can help.