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Chagrin Falls Wrongful Death Lawyers
Lawyers providing compassionate assistance to grieving families
It’s the worst call you can receive – we regret to inform you that your parent, spouse, or child was killed in an accident. It’s additionally traumatic to learn that the accident was preventable. At Crandall & Pera Law, we have the experience and resources to show how the accident or medical malpractice that took the life of your loved one happened, who is responsible, and why the death of your loved one was preventable. Our Chagrin Falls wrongful death lawyers file lawsuits against drivers, trucking companies, property owners, and everyone who had a duty to protect your family member and failed that duty.
In one notable wrongful death medical malpractice case, we obtained $4.6 million for the family of a happily married woman when doctors failed to properly treat her when she developed strep throat during the end of her second pregnancy. Her signs of infection were ignored by the staff and her physician. Her infection forced her into labor, where she died as she gave birth to her second child. The settlement allowed her two young children and husband to secure college education funds and attempt to rebuild their lives.
Testimonial by Mari Jones
"Even though I am not one to post reviews of any services, I feel that it would be a disservice not to post this review of Steve Crandall and the assistance he provided me after the sudden passing of my beloved husband. Not only was I grieving this sudden loss, but I was also left homeless. Mr. Crandall immediately went above and beyond the duties any other legal professional would assume to ensure my loss was compensated. If my beloved husband could have chosen someone to help us through this time, he would have chosen Steve Crandall. There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for him and his professional guidance during this time."
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Table of Contents
- What types of accidents are fatal?
- Who can claim wrongful death benefits in Chagrin Falls?
- What damages are awarded in wrongful death cases?
- What are the unique challenges involved in wrongful death claims in Chagrin Falls?
- How do you fight for families when a loved one dies?
- Do you have a Chagrin Falls wrongful death lawyer near me?
What types of accidents are fatal?
At Crandall & Pera Law, we have 50-plus years of experience handling the full range of accidents and malpractice that causes fatalities. We’re ready to help parents, spouses, children, and other eligible family members when your loved one dies due to any of the following causes:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Birth malpractice
- Medical malpractice
- Product defects
- Gross negligence security assaults
- Slip and fall accidents and other property accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Other causes
Who can claim wrongful death benefits in Chagrin Falls?
In Ohio, a wrongful death action is filed by the personal representative of the decedent (an executor named in the decedent’s will or an administrator appointed by the local court). Wrongful death actions are filed on behalf of the decedent’s spouse, parents, and children. Other next of kin may also be eligible to claim benefits.
Generally, wrongful death actions must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Some exceptions may apply, such as when product liability claims are involved. We recommend that the personal representative contact us as soon as possible while everyone’s memory of the accident is fresh.
What damages are awarded in wrongful death cases?
Ohio law authorizes the following damages in wrongful death actions:
- The loss of financial support the decedent would have been expected to reasonably provide based on the decedent’s earning capacity and life expectancy.
- Loss of services of the decedent – such as household chores.
- “Loss of the society of the decedent, including loss of companionship, consortium, care, assistance, attention, protection, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, and education, suffered by the surviving spouse, dependent children, parents, or next of kin of the decedent.”
- The loss of prospective inheritance to the heirs of the decedent when the death occurred.
- The mental anguish of the eligible family members.
An Ohio wrongful death claim also includes the burial and funeral costs.
We work with experts who are skilled at placing a proper value on the family’s wrongful death claim.
What are the unique challenges involved in wrongful death claims in Chagrin Falls?
Our lawyers understand how wrongful death cases are different from personal injury cases filed by the victims themselves. Some of the issues we’re ready to handle include:
- Proving liability. When a loved one dies due to the negligence of others, your loved one is not available to testify. There are specific rules in Ohio for how evidence can be presented in a wrongful death case. Generally, since your loved one cannot testify, fairness and Ohio law determine who can testify and who cannot. We work with the police, witnesses, traffic reconstruction experts, product safety experts, building inspectors, fire officials, physicians, and other experts and witnesses to show that the defendants caused the death of your loved one.
- Criminal prosecutions. In some cases, such as when the death of your loved one is due to a drunk driver, the police may file criminal charges against the defendant. We work with the prosecution to coordinate your civil wrongful death claim with any criminal charges that are filed. In some cases, a criminal conviction can serve as the basis for civil liability. In other cases, we work to present the same evidence (often through the same criminal trial witnesses) in your civil case.
- Survival actions. If there was a delay between the date of the accident or malpractice and the time of death, the estate of your loved one can file a survival action in addition to the wrongful death action. The estate can recover compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering, which was likely excruciating and the medical expenses to try to keep your loved one alive.
Do you have a Chagrin Falls wrongful death lawyer near me?
Crandall & Pera Law meets the families of loved ones who died due to the negligence of others - at our office located at 15 ½ N Franklin St. in Chagrin Falls. We also conduct consultations with clients by phone and through online video conferences.
We’re prepared to fight for all the compensation your family deserves.
Speak with our caring Chagrin Falls wrongful death lawyers now
We understand your pain. While no amount of money can ever replace or bring your loved one, a strong settlement or verdict helps families pay their bills, restart their lives, and honor their loved ones by helping families complete their loved one’s family dreams. A strong result also sends a message to the wrongdoers that they are responsible for their negligence. If you lost a loved one due to any type of accident, you need an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side. Call Crandall & Pera Law or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also have offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Chesterland.