Not every death, even an accidental one, is legally considered a “wrongful death.” In Ontario, wrongful death is a fatality caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of another individual, business, or public entity.
In other words, wrongful death occurs when someone’s unlawful conduct causes the death of another person. Negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct is all unlawful conduct, and too often such actions result in someone’s wrongful death.
If you have recently suffered a wrongful death in your family, you should contact an experienced Kitchener wrongful death lawyer today. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your loss with the help of an experienced injury lawyer building your case.
Our wrongful death lawyers can meet with you in Kitchener for a free initial consultation. Call (416) 364-2000
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death civil suit is brought by certain members of the deceased’s family to seek financial compensation for the direct harm they suffered when their loved one dies. However, not every family member can sue for wrongful death compensation. Determining who can bring a wrongful death suit can be tricky, so hiring experienced wrongful death lawyers in Kitchener is essential to a family’s case.
The law specifies who among the deceased’s family can bring a suit, and prioritizes these family members. The Ontario Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3 allows the following surviving family members to bring a wrongful death suit:
- Spouse
- Any child or children (if the child is a minor, the courts may appoint a guardian to represent the child’s interests and to secure the minor child’s financial future)
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
These lawsuits can be very complicated, so someone should be sure to contact a Kitchener wrongful death lawyer right away.
Kitchener Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (416) 364-2000
Potential Compensation
Wrongful death cases are complex. Often medical experts and other experts need to be involved, and there may be more than one responsible party. These complications can lead to a costly and lengthy lawsuit.
Kitchener personal injury lawyers can guide a person and their family through these complexities and can help them get the compensation they deserve. They may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Funeral/burial costs
- Loss of household services
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of anticipated gifts/benefits
- Loss of companionship, comfort, protection, love, care and society
- Loss of a spouse’s intimate sexual relations
- Loss of a parent’s guidance and training
While no amount of money can truly make up for a family’s loss, financial compensation can ease the burdens often associate with such loss. Kitchener wrongful death lawyers are ready to fight for their client’s compensation so that they can focus on moving forward with their family.
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Statute of Limitations
The law limits how long a surviving family member can wait before filing a wrongful death suit. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations.
Generally, surviving relatives must file a wrongful death suit within two years of the date of death. However, this filing deadline can change depending on who is suing for the wrongful death.
The deadline, if the deceased had children, and they are under the age of 18, will generally commence only when they turn 18 years of age. The statute of limitations is not flexible, so it is important to contact a Kitchener wrongful death lawyer right away.
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Contacting a Kitchener Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you have suffered a death in the family, and believe someone negligent or reckless conduct caused that death, contact a skilled lawyer today. Experienced Kitchener wrongful death lawyers are available to help you today.
Call or text (416) 364-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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