Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyer Seeking Compensation for Families
Nobody in Columbus should ever have to learn that they lost a loved one in an avoidable accident that resulted from somebody else’s negligence. Yet accidents occur much too often when other people are not careful, and our loved ones can sustain life-threatening and fatal injuries. While I know it can feel almost impossible to consider the possibility of going through a lawsuit when you are grieving, I also know that seeking wrongful death damages can be one of the only ways to help you get through this tragedy financially. As an experienced Columbus wrongful death attorney, I want to assist you in seeking the wrongful death damages you deserve.
What are Wrongful Death Damages?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, damages are the financial remedy that the plaintiff seeks from the defendant. Types of wrongful death damages can vary depending upon the circumstances under which the deceased died.
You may know that wrongful death lawsuits can be brought to seek damages under Ohio law “when the death of a person is caused by wrongful act, neglect, or default which would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensured, [or] the person who would have been liable if death had not ensued.” In order to seek those damages, the personal representative of the estate needs to bring the wrongful death lawsuit. That personal representative ultimately can seek damages on behalf of the deceased’s surviving family members.
What Types of Damages Can I Seek in a Columbus Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death damages typically include two different kinds of compensatory damages: economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages provide for the hospital bills incurred between the deceased’s injury and death, funeral expenses, and lost wages. Noneconomic damages can include, for example, the loss of companionship or guidance from the deceased, and the pain and suffering or mental anguish suffered by the deceased’s family members.
In some rare cases, punitive damages (also known as exemplary damages) may be awarded in a wrongful death case, as well.
Statute of Limitations for Seeking Damages in a Columbus, OH Wrongful Death Lawsuit
To be eligible for damages, you must be sure that a wrongful death lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires. Under Ohio law, the statute of limitations says that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased’s death (regardless of the date of the injury).
Call Me to Get Started on Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Columbus
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, I want to help you hold that person accountable while also helping you to seek the financial compensation you deserve. As an experienced Columbus injury lawyer, I have been working with injury victims and their families for years on a variety of accident cases and wrongful death claims. I can speak with you today to assess your case and discuss your options for moving forward with a wrongful death lawsuit. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me at 877.614.9524 to learn more.