Losing a loved one can cause great pain and sorrow, especially when their death could have been prevented. Although filing a wrongful death lawsuit won't bring him or her back, it can certainly help to provide much-needed financial support when it is needed the most.
Seeking compensation and holding the responsible party liable for their negligent actions is also one of the best ways to honor the bereaved.
Those who want to learn more about filing a wrongful death case in Reynoldsburg, OH, can contact The Keating Law Firm LTD today to book a free consultation and case review.
What Is Wrongful Death in Reynoldsburg, OH?
According to Ohio law, a "wrongful death" is one in which the victim would have been able to claim damages if they had survived due to the wrongdoing, negligence, or default of another (2125.01 of the Ohio Revised Code (2021)).
To put it simply, a wrongful death lawsuit is a kind of personal injury claim in which the victim can no longer represent himself or herself in court. Instead, a third party must intervene and pursue the lawsuit on the victim's behalf.
As with personal injury claims, wrongful death cases are caused by one of three reasons:
Medical malpractice
Negligence
Intentional acts
Family members who need help navigating Ohio's wrongful death laws should book a free consultation with a Reynoldsburg, OH, wrongful death lawyer.
Pursuing Wrongful Death Claims in Reynoldsburg, OH
Every wrongful death lawsuit has a different award amount, although some settlements can reach seven figures! The age of the deceased loved one, the motives of those who caused their demise, the suffering they endured, and other aspects may have an impact on compensation amounts.
Family members might find it helpful to get in touch with a wrongful death attorney serving Reynoldsburg if they have questions about the remuneration their family might be eligible for.
Here are some of the damages that a family can claim for the death of their loved one:
Loss of support or lost wages
Funeral expenses
The loss of companionship
Medical expenses
Loss of prospective inheritance
Causes of Wrongful Death in Reynoldsburg, OH
The truth is that wrongful death can occur in many different settings and for various reasons.
1. Accidental or Negligent Wrongful Deaths
One of the most common causes of wrongful death is negligent or unintentional acts.
Car Accidents
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1,244 fatal car crashes occurred in 2021. Motor vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Poor visibility
Drunk driving
Speeding
Distracted driving
Failing to check mirrors before changing lanes
All drivers have a duty to keep other motorists and passengers safe when traveling on Reynoldsburg roads. A failure to do this could lead to a fatal accident.
Those who have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a driver's negligence can contact a reliable wrongful death lawyer to pursue justice.
Work Injuries
Many workplaces are dangerous places. Take construction sites, for example. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 117 work-related fatalities in Ohio. Slip and fall accidents, falls from a height, faulty machinery, and more can cause these fatalities.
Because pursuing restitution in these cases isn't always easy, particularly when dealing with large corporations, it is important to seek help from a tried and tested law firm. Family members can reach out to The Keating Firm LTD in Reynoldsburg, OH, for help.
2. Medical Malpractice
People expect to have their medical issues treated when they go to a doctor or hospital. However, this doesn't always happen. Sometimes doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals make mistakes that can cost a patient their life.
Common causes of this are overworked doctors, medical equipment failure, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and more.
A family member of the deceased can contact a medical malpractice attorney to help them claim damages from the party at fault to hold them responsible for their actions.
Because healthcare facilities will have a strong legal team, it is essential that claimants arm themselves with a reputable, reliable medical malpractice lawyer with the experience and skills to take on the challenge.
The Columbus wrongful death attorneys at The Keating Firm LTD in Reynoldsburg, OH, have been winning wrongful death cases for years, so family members can trust them to fight for justice on their behalf.
3. Violent Crimes or Intentional Acts
In Ohio, a criminal may still be sued for damages in civil court while also being tried for criminal charges, so if a loved one was lost because of a malicious act, the family can pursue compensation on their loved one's behalf.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Ohio?
The surviving family of the bereaved may bring a wrongful death claim in various states. However, in Ohio, the wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the executor or personal representative of the decedent's estate (2125.02 of the Ohio Revised Code (2021)).
A representative is generally named in the deceased's will. If there was no will, someone will be chosen by the court to carry out these duties.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help with Wrongful Death Claims
Here are some of the ways a Reynoldsburg, OH wrongful death lawyer can help:
A lawyer will complete and file all the relevant legal forms
He or she will represent the family of the deceased if the case goes to court
Reynoldsburg, OH attorneys, can calculate damages more accurately
A wrongful death lawyer will provide legal counsel and guide the family through the legal process, taking care of the proceedings so they can focus on grieving
Other Reynoldsburg Practice Areas
Book a Free Consultation with an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney
The truth is that life after losing a loved one unexpectedly is never the same. However, the family should not be left to suffer financially because of someone else's negligence or maliciousness.
Contact a Reynoldsburg Wrongful Death Lawyer Today!
Family members are encouraged to reach out to a wrongful death attorney from The Keating Firm LTD to pursue justice for their loved ones.
Need a Reynoldsburg, OH, Personal Injury Lawyer?
Looking for a personal injury lawyer instead? The Keating Firm LTD's Reynoldsburg personal injury lawyers will provide expert representation to hold the at-fault parties liable for their misconduct. Book a free consultation with a Reynoldsburg, OH, personal injury lawyer today!
Other Practice Areas:
Criminal defense
Personal injury cases
Commercial accidents
Dog bites
Slip and fall accidents