There are few things more difficult than dealing with the untimely death of a loved one. The truth is that death can plunge a family into undue financial strain. If a family member's death was the result of someone else's negligence, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to pursue restitution. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a trusted team of Toledo wrongful death lawyers that will fight aggressively for justice. Families can turn to a reliable wrongful death attorney to obtain the compensation they rightly deserve for the untimely passing of a loved one.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
The term "wrongful death" is often used to describe a person’s death that occurs due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity or an intentional act. These deaths are typically preventable if reasonable caution is used.
When such an event happens, leading to a lost life, a surviving family member may file a wrongful death suit to obtain compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and the pain and suffering caused.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Here are some of the most common types of wrongful deaths:
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Motor vehicle accidents
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Pedestrian accidents
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Product liability cases
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Premises liability
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Medical malpractice
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Nursing home abuse
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Work-related injuries
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Recreational accidents
The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths
There are many reasons why wrongful deaths occur. They can happen when a person is on the job or while at a shopping mall when a freak accident occurs. The section below explores two of the most common reasons why such deaths occur in Toledo.
Negligent Acts
One of the most common reasons why wrongful deaths occur is because people are negligent. In legal terms, negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care to protect a person from harm.
If a property owner knows about a potential hazard, for example, and fails to take the appropriate measures to protect tenants, for example, he or she may be liable for the damages a family suffers if someone dies as a result of the hazard.
Wrongful Acts
A wrongful act is a civil wrongdoing that results in harm to another person. Regardless of whether the person or entity involved was subject to criminal penalties, a wrongful death claim may be filed to obtain compensation for the losses suffered.
Common Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
Cases of customers who have passed away in institutions, including jails, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes, give rise to a lot of wrongful death claims. In many institutions today, instances of nursing home and prisoner mistreatment are major problems, frequently leading to wrongful death tragedies.
Furthermore, in these kinds of facilities, deaths tend to be caused by neglect, starvation, insufficient healthcare treatment, and insufficient oversight, in addition to abuse. Sadly, some medical professionals—including some physicians, nurses, and other caregivers—do not think that their patients deserve the highest standard of care and assistance, often thinking that nobody really cares about their health.
Moreover, car accidents are common causes of wrongful death claims. If a driver did not exercise reasonable care when traveling and the result was the death of a loved one, the surviving spouse may hold the driver responsible for their losses.
When approaching any wrongful death case, it is important to have sufficient evidence and a good working knowledge of Ohio law to ensure that the wrongful death lawsuit yields a favorable outcome. This is where Toledo wrongful death attorneys can help.
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Why Hire Toledo Wrongful Death Lawyers?
One of the questions many families ask is, "Is it really necessary to engage a legal representative?" The answer is a resounding yes.
That's because, in many cases, businesses and property owners hire a large legal team to fight wrongful death cases, and those who do not have adequate legal representation will not receive the compensation they are rightly due. Here are some of the duties a Toledo wrongful death attorney will carry out:
Investigating the Claim
To ensure a favorable outcome, it's important to get the facts straight. A wrongful death lawyer will spend time learning as much as they can about the case. They will then hire experts and investigators to identify crucial pieces of evidence that may be used to back up the wrongful death claim.
Providing Sound Legal Advice
Additionally, families who have a Toledo wrongful death lawyer on their side have the assurance of a trusted advisor that has their best interests at heart. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and having someone to rely on to obtain the financial recompense that a family is rightly due can make the process much easier.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
The truth is that insurance companies don't like paying for wrongful death claims and will go out of their way to ensure that they do not have to pay large settlements.
They hire the best lawyers to try to find loopholes, making a wrongful death lawsuit much harder to win. Fortunately, wrongful death lawyers understand their tactics and will work hard to ensure that the surviving family receives the compensation they deserve.
Ohio Wrongful Death Information Center
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Wrongful Death Case?
There's no denying that the untimely death of a loved one can be costly. Here are some of the damages families can claim:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Medical costs
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Loss of companionship
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The loss of a prospective inheritance
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Mental anguish that the family faced
Because all wrongful death claims are different, it's important for family members to seek legal counsel to determine the value of their claims.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Are Here to Help!
Although filing a lawsuit and recovering damages will never replace the loss of a loved one, it can certainly provide much-needed financial assistance as the family grieves. As they pick up the pieces of their lives in the wake of such loss, compensation will ensure that they can focus on healing rather than surviving without the income of their loved ones.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can provide the assistance families need and will fight aggressively to obtain justice.