Losing someone you love because of else’s negligence or wrongful death action is perhaps a family’s most traumatic experience. The Columbus wrongful death lawyers at Slater & Zurz would first like to extend our condolences to you and your loved ones and let you know we will do everything possible to help you and your family through this difficult time.
Our compassionate personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, will honor your loved one who has passed by pursuing justice on their behalf. We will work diligently to hold those responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for their actions. In addition, our dedicated lawyers will seek the maximum recovery available to help you and your family recover financially from your losses and be there every step of the way to provide our unwavering support. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s actions, call Slater & Zurz today to learn more about your legal options.
The Legal Definition of Wrongful Death
Under Ohio law, wrongful death is defined as a death that occurs due to another person’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” Neglect refers to legal negligence, which is the failure to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. When proving negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit, the four following elements must be met:
- Duty of care – The person or entity owed a duty of care to the victim to avoid actions that could cause them harm. For example, a motorist must drive safely.
- Breach of duty – The defendant failed to provide the deceased victim with the appropriate standard of care. An example of a breach of duty is a motorist running a stop sign and causing a collision.
- Causation – The defendant’s breach of duty (actions) caused the victim’s death.
- Damages – The victim’s passing caused damages, or losses, to the victim’s surviving family members.
Slater & Zurz Has Successfully Handled a Wide Range of Wrongful Death Cases
For over 32 years, the wrongful death attorneys at Slater & Zurz have helped surviving members fight for justice by pursuing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for their loved one’s death. We have represented our clients in wrongful death cases arising from both intentional acts and negligence. Some of the many wrongful death cases we have involved the following:
- Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous and defective products
- Premises liability
How our Columbus Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help
Our dedicated lawyers take wrongful death cases to heart and do everything we can to ease the surviving family member’s pain and anguish. We will handle every aspect of the process so you can focus on what matters most – your family. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys will provide invaluable assistance by:
- Handling all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company and lawyers
- Being available to you and your family members to answer questions and quickly address any concerns
- Keeping you and your family informed of any developments in your case
- Thoroughly investigate your loved one’s passing circumstances to identify all responsible parties accurately.
- Compiling solid evidence proving the necessary elements of negligence
- Working with our team of medical and financial experts to skillfully assess your rightful compensation
- Expertly negotiating on your and your family’s behalf to obtain maximum recovery
- If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, aggressively representing your best interests in court
- Continuing to be there for you and your family, even after your case is resolved
Available Compensation in an Ohio Wrongful Death Claim
Although no amount of money could ever make up for the needless loss of a loved one, compensation can help you and your family regain financial stability and peace of mind. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following damages:
- The costs incurred for the deceased loved one’s funeral and burial
- Loss of support from the reasonably expected earning capacity of the decedent.
- The value of the services provided by the deceased, such as household maintenance and childcare.
- The amount by which a future inheritance was reduced as a result of the victim’s death.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, care, assistance, protection, instruction, advice, education, and counsel incurred by the surviving family members.
- The mental anguish of the surviving members that was caused by their loved one’s passing
Ohio Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time a party has to initiate legal proceedings from the date the offense occurred. In the state of Ohio, an individual has two years from the date of the death to commence a wrongful death claim. Exceeding this two-year time limit can deny the surviving family members the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
We Don’t Charge Anything Unless We Recover on Your Behalf.
At Slater & Zurz, we understand the severe impact an unexpected death of a loved one can have. To ensure we don’t add any undue financial stress to you and your family, we offer our skilled legal representation in wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any up-front fees or retainers because we are only paid a percentage of the total recovery. You will owe us nothing if we do not successfully recover damages on your behalf.
Contact Our Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in Columbus
If you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, it is essential to speak with our Columbus wrongful death attorneys to review your legal options. The Slater & Zurz injury law firm wants to make sure you and your family receive your rightful compensation for the loss of your loved one and will do everything within our power to do so. We welcome you to contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with one of our Columbus personal injury lawyers. You can reach us anytime – day or night, by calling (614)756-2714 or filling out our online form.
For additional Frequently asked questions about wrongful death.