Kitchener Wrongful Death Lawyer
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 financial losses you have incurred as a result of your loved one’s untimely death.
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.
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.
Potential Compensation
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
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.
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 Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation by calling 1-800-JUSTICE today.