Maine Wrongful Death Attorney
When a person is killed as the result of another party’s negligence, it is commonly referred to as a wrongful death. Families that are overwhelmed with grief can be forgiven for not immediately pursuing legal action.
Unfortunately, the state of Ohio only allows family members of the deceased two years to file wrongful death actions. Because fatal accidents often require extensive investigations in which key evidence can be collected, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if your loved one was killed in any kind of accident.
Ohio Wrongful Death Actions
Wrongful death claims seek to provide compensation to the representatives of the estate of the deceased. Many families struggle to pay significant medical expenses as well as other daily bills because of their sudden loss of a loved one’s regular income.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, victims may be entitled to several different kinds of compensation, depending on the specifics of their cases. Generally, compensation (often referred to as damages) may include:
- Economic Damages — Calculable losses such as lost income or medical bills.
- Noneconomic Damages — Subjective harm such as loss of consortium or pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages — Awards specifically intended to punish defendants for particularly egregious or reckless conduct.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Ohio
A person can be killed by another party’s negligence in a variety of different accidents. Some of the most common causes include, but are not limited to:
- DUI Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Uber/Ridesharing Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
In general, the parties who are able to file wrongful death claims are usually the spouses, children, or parents of the deceased. Other family members may be legally permitted to seek compensation if they can prove that they suffered losses, but they are not automatically entitled to personal injury awards.
Insurance companies for negligent parties will frequently attempt to contact victims, and representatives usually express sorrow and a willingness to provide adequate compensation. In many cases, however, the settlement amounts initially offered to victims are much less than what people are entitled to. An experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate with an insurer and can file a lawsuit if the insurance company proves unwilling to fully compensate a victim.
Ohio Wrongful Death Attorney
Need an Injury Attorney Ohio understands that families need time to grieve. We handle investigations and all related paperwork so you do not have to worry about making court appearances or speaking to insurers about your painful situation.
Money cannot replace the loss of a loved one, but a financial award can provide the help that many families need after a person’s sudden and unexpected death. You deserve every last dime that you are entitled to.
Our Ohio personal injury lawyers can review your case and answer all of your legal questions during a free, no-obligation consultation. You can contact our firm 24/7 to discuss the specifics of your case.