“It won’t bring them back, so why bother?” This is a common thought many families have after losing a loved one to negligence. While it’s true that no legal action can reverse your loss, wrongful death lawsuits serve an important purpose: holding negligent parties accountable and protecting your family’s financial future.
Let’s address some of the most common misconceptions that often prevent families from seeking justice—and why it’s important to act quickly to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Math 1: Only Wealthy People Can Afford to File
Many families believe wrongful death lawsuits require significant upfront costs. The reality? Most wrongful death attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from exploring your rights.
Myth 2: Insurance Will Cover Everything
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers, leading families to believe they’re getting fair compensation. However, these initial offers rarely account for:
- Future lost income and benefits
- Loss of inheritance
- Long-term emotional impact
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of household services
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Myth 3: You Have Plenty of Time to File
This dangerous misconception can cost families their right to compensation. Ohio law gives you just two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While dealing with legal matters might feel overwhelming during grief, waiting too long means losing your rights forever.
Myth 4: Criminal Charges Are Required
Many families believe they can’t pursue a wrongful death lawsuit unless criminal charges are filed or there’s a conviction. This is incorrect. Wrongful death claims are civil cases that operate independently from criminal proceedings. The burden of proof is also different—civil cases require a “preponderance of evidence” rather than proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Myth 5: The Case Will Take Years to Resolve
While some complex cases do take time, many wrongful death claims resolve through settlement negotiations within months. Having experienced legal representation often speeds up the process and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement.
Don’t Let Misconceptions Prevent You From Seeking Justice
The Law Offices of Tim Misny understands the sensitivity of wrongful death cases. We guide families through the legal process while treating their loss with the respect and dignity it deserves.
Call my office at (877) 614-9524 for a confidential consultation about your family’s rights. When negligence claims a life, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
