Losing a loved one because someone else acted wrongfully, neglected their duty, or made a mistake, for instance, through workplace accidents, can cause immense devastation. If you find yourself in this situation, you can file a wrongful death claim. However, comprehending the damages accessible and establishing negligence in Ohio may pose a complex process. During these challenging times, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a wrongful death attorney. They can offer essential support and expertise in navigating this difficult process.
Financial Impact
Surviving family members can face significant financial impacts when a sudden and wrongful death occurs. Assessing the precise financial loss may involve a lengthy and distressing process. It is necessary to understand the potential earnings of the deceased person when alive to calculate available financial damages. A complex formula considers factors like the deceased person’s wage, earning capacity, age, and life expectancy to determine the total financial impact on family members. Seeking the assistance of a wrongful death lawyer can aid in this analysis and identify available damages after the loss of a loved one.
Loss of Support
Loss of support is one form of damages available in Ohio. If you are a parent, child, or spouse of the deceased person in question, you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of financial support you would have received if not for the event of the wrongful death. You must provide documented proof that the deceased supported you financially to claim loss of support damages. In most cases, the best form of proof is tax returns in which the deceased claimed dependents.
Medical Expenses
In many cases, the family of the deceased may also claim compensation for medical expenses in their wrongful death lawsuit. To qualify for this compensation, the medical bills in question must be related to the accident or incident leading to the deceased person’s death. For example, in the case of an auto accident, all medical bills from the time of the event of the accident until the eventual death stemming from the accident can be claimed for compensation.
Funeral Expenses
In addition to medical bills, funeral and burial expenses can also be claimed in your wrongful death lawsuit. In Ohio, funeral fees can cost up to $10,000. This is a huge fee for any family to be burdened with when facing the untimely death of a loved one. These expenses can be compensated in your lawsuit.
Loss of Consortium
The phrase refers to the intangible loss of a loved one, including their physical contact with loved ones. Though there is no price high enough to replace your loved one, damages involving consortium loss are awarded as a symbol of that loss.
Other Possible Claimable Expenses
Ohio residents can claim additional wrongful death damages, including loss of services such as yard work, housework, and childcare. They have the right to claim loss of prospective inheritance for the deceased person’s spouse or children. Furthermore, family members can seek compensation for mental anguish, loss of care, guidance, and companionship resulting from the untimely death.
Call Us. We Can Help with Your Wrongful Death Case
Losing a loved one is devastating. Unfortunately, the losses suffered by the surviving family members are often financial as well as emotional. A wrongful death claim can at least provide financial compensation for your losses. Seeking the professional help of a wrongful death attorney will help you navigate this process and understand what damages are available to you. Call Gallon, Takacs, and Boissoneault today if you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one due to another’s neglect.
Jonathan Ashton, Partner and Personal Injury Attorney, began his law career at GT&B in 2007 as a law clerk. He was hired as an associate immediately after passing the Ohio Bar in 2008. Jonathan practices in Personal Injury, representing clients who have been injured and need justice and compensation for them to move forward in their lives.
