Losing a loved one can be overwhelming. It can be even more difficult when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence. After such a loss, your family may face mounting medical bills, pain and suffering, funeral and burial costs, and more. A Columbus wrongful death lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you seek maximum compensation. Call today for a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer in Columbus to Prove a Wrongful Death?
What Is a Wrongful Death in Columbus?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.01, a death is considered “wrongful” if it was caused by another party’s negligent or wrongful act. This means the death could have been prevented if not for that party’s actions.
How Can You Prove Wrongful Death in Columbus, Ohio?
To prove wrongful death under Ohio law, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer must show four things:
- Duty of care: the defendant had a legal duty to act safely.
- Breach of duty: the defendant failed to uphold that duty.
- Causation: negligent or intentional actions directly caused the person’s death.
- Damages: the tragic death led to financial losses (like medical bills) for the surviving family members.
Common Types of Accidents That Cause Wrongful Death in Columbus
Any fatal accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else can lead to a wrongful death claim. Some examples include:
- Car crashes
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical negligence or malpractice cases
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products
What Does Not Qualify as a Wrongful Death?
Not every death warrants a wrongful death claim. For example, deaths from natural causes or unavoidable tragic accidents don’t usually qualify. However, you may be able to pursue financial support if the responsible party’s negligence contributed in any way.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Ohio?
According to Ohio wrongful death law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate (typically an immediate family member—a surviving spouse, child, or another person named in the deceased’s will or whom the probate court allocates) is permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have questions, our legal team can help.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Ohio?
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Our local attorneys have the knowledge to handle wrongful death cases that happen due to serious accidents. We can help you secure fair compensation for:
- The physical pain the injured person suffered before death
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress and emotional suffering
- Loss of companionship
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Ohio Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death claims can take months or years to resolve. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the evidence available, and whether the at-fault party is willing to settle.
Our Columbus wrongful death attorneys handle all legal aspects of the case. We gather evidence (like medical records), investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, consult medical experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible. If needed, we can help you recover compensation in court.
How Long Do I Have to File an Ohio Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations (Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02) for a Columbus wrongful death case is typically two years from the date of the death. There are some exceptions, so seek legal help right away.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
After a loved one’s death, we can fight for your family’s legal rights. With decades of experience, our personal injury attorneys can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue compensation for you.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
Has negligence contributed to a family member’s fatal injuries in Columbus? In your free case evaluation, our attorneys will review your case and discuss the legal process. With our compassionate legal guidance, we can help you seek justice and win the financial compensation your family deserves. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront fees.
(312) 223-1700