The sudden loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is an overwhelming and life-altering experience for surviving family members. Beyond the profound emotional grief, families may face a daunting financial burden due to lost income, medical bills, funeral costs, and other unforeseen expenses. The pain of knowing that a loved one’s death was preventable only intensifies the trauma, leaving survivors with feelings of anger, sadness, and helplessness.
At The Henry Law Firm, our compassionate Akron wrongful death lawyers are here to guide and support you through this painful time. Our team will handle every aspect of your wrongful death case with respect and diligence, allowing you the space to grieve and focus on your family. With an experienced lawyer for injuries in Akron, Ohio by your side, you can trust us to advocate for your rights and fight to recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life after such a tragic loss.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party, where the deceased could have pursued a Akron personal injury claim if they had survived. Ohio Revised Code § 2125.01 establishes that a wrongful death lawsuit may be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, including the spouse, children, parents, and other dependents.
Compensation Our Akron Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Recover for You
At The Henry Law Firm, our Akron wrongful death attorneys will pursue maximum compensation for the eligible family members, including:
Loss of Financial Support
When a wrongful death occurs, family members may lose the financial contributions the deceased provided, both now and in the future. Our attorneys can help calculate these amounts, taking into account the deceased’s income, earning potential, age, and other factors. The goal is to ensure survivors receive fair compensation for the financial support they would have depended on had the deceased lived.
Loss of Companionship and Consortium
Ohio law recognizes the emotional losses experienced by family members following a wrongful death. Spouses, children, and parents may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and protection. In wrongful death claims involving the death of a spouse, survivors can also seek damages for the loss of consortium.
Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress
Losing a loved one can cause severe emotional trauma, and Ohio’s wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for mental anguish and emotional distress. This component of damages reflects the profound grief and suffering family members endure following a wrongful death.
Loss of Services
Family members often rely on the deceased for essential services within the home, such as childcare, household maintenance, and other forms of support. Survivors can seek compensation for the value of these lost services, as they may now need to hire external help to manage these responsibilities.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
The sudden and unexpected nature of a wrongful death often results in unanticipated expenses related to funeral and burial arrangements. Under Ohio law, families are eligible to receive compensation for these costs to help ease the financial burden during an already difficult time. Our attorneys will ensure that all necessary and reasonable funeral expenses are included in the claim.
Loss of Prospective Inheritance
Survivors may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of potential inheritance they would have received had their loved one lived a full life. Our attorneys work with financial experts to estimate the probable value of future inheritance based on the deceased’s age, career prospects, and anticipated contributions to their estate.
Punitive Damages
While Ohio generally limits wrongful death damages to compensatory losses, you can pursue punitive damages if the wrongful death involves malicious intent, egregious misconduct, or gross negligence. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future behavior.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Wrongful Death Damages in Akron, OH?
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased typically has a strong legal right to seek wrongful death damages for the loss of companionship, consortium, financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Children of the Deceased: Biological and adopted children of the deceased are eligible beneficiaries. They can seek compensation for the loss of parental guidance, companionship, and support.
- Parents of the Deceased: If the deceased is unmarried and has no children, their parents may be eligible for wrongful death damages. Even when a spouse or children exist, parents may claim emotional distress or other damages.
- Extended Family Members: In cases where the deceased has no immediate family member, other dependents or next of kin—such as siblings or grandparents—may be able to pursue a claim. However, they must prove that they were financially dependent on the deceased.
Distribution of Wrongful Death Damages
Under Ohio law, the distribution of wrongful death damages is generally based on the needs and level of loss each beneficiary has experienced. If the case settles without trial, beneficiaries and their legal representatives may agree on a distribution arrangement. However, if the wrongful death suit for an accident or medical malpractice case proceeds to trial, the court will decide on a fair distribution based on each beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased and the degree of their loss.
In contested cases or where there is disagreement among family members, the probate court in Ohio oversees the distribution process to ensure each eligible beneficiary receives an appropriate share of the damages. This often involves assessing the emotional, financial, and relational impact on each beneficiary to determine the distribution percentages.
Why Choose Our Akron Wrongful Death Attorneys at The Henry Law Firm?
Clients choose our Akron wrongful death attorney at The Henry Law Firm for the following reasons after a wrongful death occurred:
Insurance Companies Only Pay When They’re Afraid a Jury Will Make Them Pay Even More
Insurance companies refuse fair settlements until they are worried a jury will award even more. At The Henry Law Firm, our Akron wrongful death attorneys approach every case as if it is going to trial. This relentless preparation strengthens our negotiating position with insurance companies and can enhance the final settlement amount.
We gather evidence, interview witnesses, retain experts, and compile all necessary documentation to present an undeniable case in court. By preparing for trial from day one, we demonstrate that we won’t settle for anything less than full compensation. This strategy puts pressure on insurance companies to offer fair settlements as they may be reluctant to face a sympathetic jury before a formidable opponent.
Experienced Attorneys with Proven Results in Wrongful Death Cases
Eric Henry, a leading Ohio wrongful death attorney, has a record of large settlements and verdicts in personal injury and wrongful death cases. His dedication to “doing good for the people who deserve it” goes beyond mere words—it’s a philosophy that drives every case he takes on.
Our team has achieved large settlements and verdicts thanks to Attorney Henry’s resolve, creativity, and thorough preparation. With experience handling complex wrongful death cases and a reputation for achieving multi-million-dollar financial recoveries, we work tirelessly to ensure families receive the full justice and compensation they are entitled to.
Cutting-Edge Technology for 21st-Century Representation
The legal landscape has changed dramatically, and our firm keeps pace by using the latest technology and investigative methods to strengthen each case. We provide clients with access to their case files via a secure cloud platform, ensuring you’re always informed and can view updates in real-time. By employing advanced investigative tools—from data analytics to forensic technology—we can uncover key evidence that can make the difference in a wrongful death claim.
Client-Centered Approach with Transparent Communication
At The Henry Law Firm, we believe that open communication and collaboration with clients yield the best results. We don’t just work for you—we work with you. From the moment you hire us, you are the central player in the development of your case. We answer all of your questions and ensure you are comfortable with each step of the process.
Our attorneys provide regular updates, address any concerns, and make sure you are informed of every major decision. You will even have your attorney’s personal cell phone number, so you can reach us whenever you need support.
A Compassionate Legal Team Committed to Justice
Beyond our legal skills and technology-driven strategies, we bring compassion and empathy to each wrongful death case. We know the toll that a wrongful death takes on a family, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Our team also handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car Accidents Cases in Akron: Helping victims of rear-end collisions, multi-car pileups, and other car crashes secure compensation for injuries and property damage.
- Truck Accidents in Akron: Navigating the complexities of accidents involving commercial trucks, including federal regulations and trucking company liability.
- Motorcycle Accidents in Akron: Advocating for injured motorcyclists to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
We will handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one. With The Henry Law Firm on your side, you can trust that your family’s well-being and pursuit of maximum financial compensation are our top priorities.
To schedule your free consultation with an Akron wrongful death lawyer at The Henry Law Firm, call us at (440) 337-0083 or contact us online.
