Attorneys Offering Skillful And Compassionate Wrongful Death Representation
Losing someone you love is devastating, especially when their death was preventable and caused by negligence. No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but compensation is nonetheless appropriate and, in many cases, necessary. Additionally, holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions can provide some peace of mind.
If you’ve lost someone close to you and know or suspect that someone else may have been at fault for causing their death, contact McManus & McManus Attorneys at Law. Our lawyers can help you pursue both justice and compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. The money we recover can help defray the very real costs associated with your loved one’s death, including funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, loss of wages and future income and more.
What Is The Basis Of A Wrongful Death Claim?
An easy way to conceptualize wrongful death is as an extension of personal injury. If the wrongful act or conduct would have been grounds for a personal injury lawsuit (had the victim lived), it would also be appropriate for a wrongful death claim. Some common causes of wrongful death include:
- Automobile accidents
- Use of dangerous and defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Construction accidents
While many wrongful death claims stem from preventable accidents, they can also arise from intentional acts of violence. Someone who has caused another’s death while committing a crime can face both charges in criminal court and civil liability in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Working With Estate Representatives And Families
Each state has laws determining who has the right to sue for wrongful death based on their relationship to the victim. This is known as legal standing. In both Ohio and Michigan, only the personal representative (executor) to the victim’s estate has standing to bring a wrongful death claim. Claims cannot be brought by family members, except in cases where a family member is also the estate representative.
That being said, the primary beneficiaries of wrongful death settlements and jury awards are typically surviving family members. Our firm works with estate representatives and consults with family members to ensure that everyone with a stake in the litigation has a voice and the opportunity to give input.
Tell Us Your Story And Learn About Your Legal Options In A Free Consultation
From our office in Toledo, McManus & McManus Attorneys at Law serves clients across Ohio and Michigan. To learn more about your rights and legal options for pursuing a wrongful death claim, call us at 419-922-8172 for a no-cost initial legal consultation. You can also reach out online.