Strongsville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Strongsville, OH

There is nothing more devastating than the loss of a loved one, but when that loss happens due to the negligent actions of another party, the anger and grief you feel become insurmountable. At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., an experienced Strongsville wrongful death lawyer is here to help you seek justice and hold the liable party accountable while also pursuing compensation on your behalf.

About Our Firm

Whether your loved one has died in a car accident on Pearl Road or due to a hazard on a dangerous property in Westwood Farms, our attorneys are here to serve you. The team at Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. has been coming alongside folks across Ohio and helping them through the difficult task of a wrongful death claim. We know how challenging this is for your family and are here for you to depend on.

Top Causes of Wrongful Death in Strongsville

In 2023, the United States experienced over 222,500 preventable injuries that resulted in the death of the victim. At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., over our decades of legal service, we have assisted families in seeking wrongful death damages in the following cases:

• Car accidents. In a single year, the United States experienced 40,091 car accident fatalities. Car accidents caused by human error usually occur due to distracted driving, speeding, drunk or drugged driving, fatigue, and poor roadway conditions or weather.
• Trucking accidents. In the U.S., around 168,000 truck accidents happen every year, 3% of which end in fatality. These accidents are typically caused by drowsy drivers, truck malfunctions, and overloaded cargo.
• Workplace injury. When an employee suffers an accident that results in death at their place of work, surviving family members may be able to file a claim for wrongful death through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
• Animal attacks. When we think of dogs, we usually picture household pets and valued members of the family. The unfortunate truth is that some dogs are poorly trained or trained to be aggressive and can actually cause significant harm and even death. In these situations, our team can help you hold the dog’s owner accountable for your loved one’s death.
• Slip and fall accidents. When someone slips, trips, or falls due to a dangerous condition on a property they’ve legally entered, when the victim suffers death, you may be able to hold the property owner liable.
• Product liability case. When a product designer or manufacturer places a defective product on the market and that product causes a consumer’s death, they can be held liable for wrongful death damages. Common products involved in wrongful death claims include electronics, infant items, car parts, and consumables.

How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim

In order to prove a wrongful death claim in Strongsville, you must be able to show negligence occurred and resulted in the death. To establish this negligence, the attorneys at Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. will work to prove the following four elements:

• Duty of care. The defendant, or the liable party, owed your loved one a duty of care to prevent harm. For example, a car driver has the duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner to avoid collisions.
• Breach of duty. The defendant breached this duty of care by acting in negligence. One example might be not addressing a dangerous condition on a property, such as a broken or missing handrail in a stairwell.
• Causation. You will then need to prove that there is a link between the breach of duty and the death of your loved one.
• Damages. Finally, your attorney can work to prove that the death of the loved one caused you and your surviving family members quantifiable damages.

FAQs

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take in Ohio?

In Ohio, a wrongful death case can take anywhere from a matter of a few months to several years, depending on the factors of the case. In the more severe cases, when more parties are involved or when litigation becomes necessary, the case can require a much longer timeline. However, in cases where the claim is not disputed and the details are relatively straightforward, it may only take a few months to resolve a claim.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?

In a wrongful death claim, there are several damages you may be able to recover. First, you will likely be able to recover all burial and funeral expenses you had to pay out-of-pocket following the loss. You may also be able to recover damages like your loved one’s lost wages or future wages, as well as any medical costs that were incurred in relation to their injury but prior to their death.

What Can Affect the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim?

There are several factors that can affect the value of a wrongful death claim in Ohio. These factors include the circumstances of your loved one’s death, their age and life expectancy before the fatal accident, their prior earnings and anticipated future earnings, the pain and suffering experienced by your loved one prior to their passing, and how much they contributed to your family and household.

What if My Loved One’s Workers’ Comp Denies a Wrongful Death Claim?

If your loved one’s workers’ compensation insurance denies a wrongful death claim, you still have several legal options at your disposal. When a loved one dies in a work-related accident, their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should kick in and award damages to certain surviving family members. When a claim is denied, an attorney is here to help you file an appeal.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, the attorneys at Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. are here to help. We invite you to contact us today to learn more, schedule a consultation, and hire a wrongful death lawyer you can trust.