Middleburg Heights Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Middleburg Heights, OH

There are few things more traumatic and heartbreaking than the loss of a loved one. At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., we understand that no amount of money will ever bring them back, but it can help ease some of the financial and emotional burden you face after their passing. Pursuing legal action can help you and your family get justice, and a Middleburg Heights wrongful death lawyer is here to protect your rights to compensation. 

About Our Firm

For over 30 years, the lawyers at Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. have been working hard on behalf of families throughout Middleburg Heights and Cuyahoga County. We know that this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, which is why we are here to take care of all the details of your case.

We believe in the pursuit of justice and are proud to offer our services to our neighbors and friends. At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., you aren’t just another client. You are treated and cared for like family and can trust our legal representation to take your interests to heart. 

Causes of Wrongful Death in Middleburg Heights

In Middleburg Heights, a wrongful death can occur when a person is killed because of another party’s negligence, reckless act, or intentional wrongdoing. In 2023 alone,over 222,500 preventable injuries resulted in a victim’s passing.

At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., our attorneys have handled countless wrongful death claims, all stemming from one of the following most common causes:

• Nursing home abuse. Deciding to move an elderly family member into a nursing home is not an easy decision. We trust the staff and administrators at these facilities to care for our loved ones and attend to their needs. When these parties act with negligence or even commit acts of abuse, death can result, and the family upholds the right to seek legal action against the nursing home facility.
  
• Defective products. When the manufacturer, supplier, or designer of a product distributes that product, they must first test it for safety. When a product malfunctions, a consumer can get hurt and even suffer fatal injuries, and the company can be held liable. Common defective products resulting in death can include furniture, medications, medical devices, and infant products.
  
• Motor vehicle accidents. In 2024 alone, Ohio suffered 5,359 motor vehicle fatalities. Middleburg Heights is home to several dangerous sections of roadway, such as stretches of Pearl Road, Engle Road, and Bagley Road. When another negligent driver crashes into and kills a loved one, you are likely entitled to recover wrongful death damages.
  
• Medical malpractice. In 2024, 23% of patients across the country suffered a missed or delayed diagnosis, and 17% of these errors resulted in temporary or permanent harm. We trust medical professionals to provide us with the care we need. However, all too often, these professionals or the medical system itself can fail us, and death can occur as a result.
  
• Slips and falls. In Ohio, property owners have the duty to keep their premises safe from any dangerous conditions. When such a condition is not addressed in a reasonable and timely manner, it could lead to a slip, trip, or fall, which could potentially result in a victim’s death. The most common causes of slips, trips, and falls include wet or slick surfaces, uneven flooring, exposed wiring, or missing guardrails. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?

At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., we understand that it is often not just one person who suffers as a result of a family member’s death, but rather a whole host of loved ones. While many people will be affected by the loss, there are only a few specific individuals who can actually file a legal claim to recover wrongful death damages.

In Ohio, a representative of the deceased individual’s estate can bring the civil action forward, and the compensation will be awarded and distributed among the surviving family members. These family members include the decedent’s:

• Surviving spouse
• Surviving children
• If no spouse or children survive or exist, then the parents of the deceased

Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim

To pursue a successful wrongful death claim, you will need to prove that your loved one died through an act of negligence or a breach of duty. To do so, you and your legal team will need to prove four main elements, including:

• Duty of care, meaning the party that is liable owed your loved one a duty of care to avoid the actions that led to harm and death
• Breach of duty, meaning the defendant did not provide your loved one with this duty and acted in a negligent manner
• Causation, meaning that because of the breach of duty, your loved one suffered a wrongful death
• Damages, meaning that you and your family suffered damages because of the death of your loved one

Seek Local Legal Advocates You Can Trust: Turn to Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A.

Wrongful death claims are sensitive matters. There could be several interested parties involved, all of whom are suffering tremendous grief and loss. You deserve legal representation you can trust, but also legal advocates who understand the daily struggles and experiences of folks living in Middleburg Heights.

At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., members of our personal injury team have served on the Middleburg Heights junior high PTA, have coached football and soccer for area organizations, have volunteered our time at our local churches, and served on the Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce.

These experiences have allowed us to become active participants in the community, getting to know our neighbors and making life-lasting connections. When your loved one is killed due to another’s negligence, you don’t want some stuffy, larger-than-life law firm. You want someone rooted in your community who can share your grief and help you pursue the justice you deserve. 

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Families in Middleburg Heights

If you have been thinking about filing a wrongful death claim, the time to do so is now. The clock runs short on these cases, and it is better to start the process sooner rather than later and miss out on your chance to secure compensation.

At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., we are here to walk you through every step of the process. We invite you tocontact our offices today to schedule a consultation and hire a wrongful death lawyer you can trust.