Cincinnati Wrongful Death Lawyers

Find the answers to common questions and learn more about these types of cases below:

• What Wrongful Death Damages Can You Claim in Ohio?

  Family members can claim a number of damages following a loved one's death, as listed under the state legal code:

  • Loss of financial support (based on the amount of money the decedent would have reasonably earned earn had he or she not be fatally injured)
  • Loss of the services that would have been provided by the decedent
  • Loss of society of the decedent (may include loss of companionship, protection, guidance, training, consortium, care, etc.)
  • Loss of inheritance (by the decedent's lawful heirs at the time that the victim died)
  • Mental anguish caused to the decedent's family members

  In addition to these damages, a court may also choose to award punitive damages, or additional damages that are awarded solely for the purpose of punishing the negligent party. These types of damages are typically awarded in cases that involve the most heinous incidents of negligence. These damages are separate from the ones listed above, which are considered compensatory damages.

  After the wrongful death of a loved one, it is important for the surviving family members to seek the compensation they are rightfully owed. While it is true that this money could never fully compensate a family for a lost life, it does provide important financial support for the individuals who are left behind. With this compensation, the family members will have one less avenue of hardship to deal with as they grieve the loss of their deceased loved one. Furthermore, wrongful death claims and lawsuits help to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions, which can provide some level of closure for the families that have been affected.

• What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Ohio?

  Every case of negligence, whether it is personal injury or wrongful death, has a deadline to file a legal action and preserve the right to obtain compensation. This is called the statute of limitations. For wrongful death cases in Ohio, the statute of limitations is two years after the person’s death. The estate waives the right to file for compensation if they file after those two years. If you were to try to bring the case before a judge, without question the judge would seek to throw out the case almost immediately. Therefore, it is imperative that you find legal counsel now to discuss how to begin the claims process.

• Who Has the Right to Sue for Wrongful Death?

  In Ohio, a wrongful death lawsuit must be brought by the deceased individual's personal representative. This representative cannot be another entity or corporation, only an individual. Once the claim has been brought, the following parties may receive compensation for damages:

  • The deceased individual's surviving spouse
  • The surviving children of the deceased
  • The deceased individual's surviving parents

  In most cases other family members may not be compensated unless they can prove that they suffered a significant compensable loss as a result of the individual's death.

Since 1932, The Moore Law Firm has held a tradition of excellence when it comes to aiding those who have suffered due to negligence. It is our goal to provide you with as many resources as possible relating to wrongful death in Cincinnati. We have compiled various pieces of helpful information below to help you understand more about your situation and how to move forward.

• How To Calculate Wrongful Death Damages
• What Exactly Are Punitive Damages in Relation to Lawsuits?
• Wrongful Death Settlements: When Are You Entitled to One?
• Wrongful Death Examples and Cases