Wrongful Death

Coping with the death of a family member or close relative is a painful and emotional time.  There are many questions that are left unanswered, as families struggle to learn the details and resolve any issues that may be pending.  Families often face financial challenges and the legal implications that surround the death.

A wrongful death claim arises when someone causes the death of another person by an act of willful, reckless, or negligent misconduct.  Family members or close relatives of the deceased can bring a cause of action for wrongful death against the at-fault party, holding him or her liable for the consequences of his or her conduct.

All too often, wrongful death claims are alcohol-related.  Alcohol-related accidents are a serious problem at the local, state, and national level.  Drunk driving accidents continue to claim the lives of many victims annually.  There are several hundred drunk driving fatalities each year in the state of Ohio alone.

Attorney Richard A. Vadnal works with families to achieve justice, working towards a fair settlement and a sense of resolution that will allow families and loved ones to move forward.  Mr. Vadnal retains the expertise of medical professionals, toxicologists, and accident reconstructionists who can pinpoint the facts and settle questions and issues that were previously unanswered.  Attorney Richard A. Vadnal will ensure a complete and thorough investigation and get to the bottom of the “how” and “why” things happened.

Mr. Vadnal works with families that have suffered a wrongful death of a loved one, helping find answers.  Contact Attorney Richard A. Vadnal today for a free and confidential consultation.

Representative Wrongful Death Cases

• A young man was run over in the parking lot by a drunk driver, upon leaving the bar in Parma Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  A wrongful death settlement was paid by the liability insurance carrier of the bar owner liquor permit holder due to the death of the young man.  Witnesses testified that the drunk driver was served shots and beers by the bartender, even though he was already noticeably intoxicated.  The bar owner also employed an under-aged person as a security guard, checking id’s at the door.
• A young man was killed by a drunk driver who went left-of-center, causing several deaths in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio.  A wrongful death settlement was obtained for the mother and sister of the young man.  The settlement was paid by a homeowner’s insurance carrier insuring the parents who had permitted a high school graduation party to take place at their home where the under-aged drinking occurred.