Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyers
The unexpected death of a loved one can have far-reaching consequences, leaving family members emotionally and financially devastated.
Taking legal action may not be a priority after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence as your family focuses on healing and the many pressing arrangements and details that require your immediate attention. While this is understandable, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect the family unit.
It is important to consider hiring a Columbus wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to assist with the legal and financial difficulties that a family will encounter after the loss of a loved one. The financial strain can be immediate with unexpected hardships, including but not limited to:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support and resources
If you need legal assistance in this trying time, a seasoned wrongful death lawyer can help.
At GB Law, we have a team of experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys that can guide your family through the legal process to recover the compensation necessary to ease this financial burden.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Columbus?
When a death is caused by someone’s reckless or negligent action(s), the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.
In fact, Ohio state laws presume that certain family members have suffered damages as a result of their loved one’s death. (Ohio Revised Code 2125.02)
To file a wrongful death suit in the State of Ohio, the party filing must show that:
- The death of a person was caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default;
- The act, neglect, or default would have entitled the injured person to file an action to recover had the death not occurred. (O.R.C. Ann. 2125.01)
Determining who is eligible to bring an Ohio wrongful death claim can be a complicated legal matter.
The easiest and simplest way to determine eligibility is to talk to one of our lawyers for a free consultation.
We will review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights.
What is a Wrongful Death in Columbus, Ohio?
A case for wrongful death arises when a person is killed due to the conduct of another. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), death by unintentional injury was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2020, behind heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
Common causes of death by unintentional injury include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Workplace accidents
- Accidental poisoning
- Medical malpractice
How Can a Columbus Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
When a loved one dies due to unintentional injuries or accidents, the family members often do not know how to proceed with legal action and what types of compensation they may be entitled to.
Unfortunately, many surviving family members are so grief-stricken that they do not fully understand their rights. However, we are here to help.
You have the right to pursue compensation that can help you and your family recoup financial losses during this difficult time and the attorneys at GB Law have decades worth of experience in handling these types of cases.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may quickly offer you and your grieving family a settlement in the aftermath of an accident, without you or your family understanding you may be entitled to far more compensation.
Death Case or File a Wrongful Death Claim
Has your family suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, due to another person’s or party’s actions?
It’s an emotionally crippling time of your loved one’s passing. You deserve attorneys who are experts in Ohio law, specifically with injury and wrongful death claims and cases.
Our OH wrongful death attorneys at GB Law have decades of experience representing surviving spouses and family members. So what separates GB attorneys from other wrongful death law offices across Columbus and the state of Ohio?
- We’ve protected clients throughout central Ohio for more than 40 years.
- We’ve recovered over $200 million for our clients.
- Free case review: We offer free consultations to make sure we’re the right fit for your case.
- Handling wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis: Meaning that we don’t get paid until you do.
Our dedicated lawyers and qualified legal team fight relentlessly to recover compensation the compensation you deserve. Hire a wrongful death law firm that will diligently and compassionately work toward the best possible resolution for your case.
What if the Insurance Company Treats You Unfairly?
Before talking to an insurance company, always speak with a lawyer first.
No matter how empathetic or compassionate the insurance representative seems to be, or how generous a quick offer may appear, talk to a lawyer and their professional, experience-based opinion of your rights.
Just like in car accident cases and types of other personal injury cases, an insurance settlement is a business transaction. Claims adjusters are trained to professionally and empathetically settle claims so that the insurance company pays as little as possible.
The lawyers at GB Law can help you recover the compensation you need.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Compensation is Available in an Ohio Wrongful Death Claim?
Economic Damages
Economic damages available typically include:
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income over their life expectancy
- Loss of the decedent’s benefits like health insurance or a retirement pension
- Loss of a prospective inheritance
Non-Economic Damages
Family members may also be entitled to non-economic damages for:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of contribution to a household
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
Do Wrongful Death Claims Have Time Limits?
Yes. Ohio’s statute of limitation is two years from the date of death.
While this may sound like a significant amount of time, wrongful death cases are often very complicated and there is much at stake so the sooner you get one of our attorneys involved, the better. This means you actually have a very limited amount of time to investigate and file a wrongful death claim.
Do not wait to take action — contact a wrongful death attorney in Columbus now.
You Need an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in Columbus
When you pursue a civil action for personal injury or wrongful death, you have one opportunity to resolve your case. Once you accept a settlement offer or a verdict is issued by a judge or jury, you will not be able to pursue any further legal action for damages.
For this reason, choosing the right attorney to handle your case is a critical decision.
Our legal team is dedicated to bringing our clients justice and helping them find healing and rebuild their lives.
If a parent, child, or spouse has been killed in an accident, contact GB Law today by calling 614-222-4444 to speak with an experienced Columbus wrongful death attorney or fill out a case evaluation form.
FAQs About Our Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyers
How Long Have You Been in Practice?
Our law firm has been handling wrongful death cases in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. Our attorneys are knowledgeable, skilled, experienced, and passionate about helping our clients.
How Often Do You Settle Cases Out of Court?
Unlike other law firms that just settle cases, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
In fact, GB Law attorneys have been recognized as top 100 National Trial Lawyers due to their extensive courtroom experience. GB Law has counsel certified by the National Board of Trial advocacy.
We also work with experts in the fields of medicine, accident reconstruction, and forensic accounting to quantify economic losses. Even in professional fields that are outside of the scope of law, we have reliable and experienced contacts and references to assist us in building your case.
How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled? What are Your Wrongful Death Case Results?
Over the years, cases we have handled have stemmed from many types of accidents and incidents, including:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Construction accidents
- Truck and tractor-trailer accidents
- Carbon monoxide poisoning accidents
We have recovered more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for our fellow Ohioans. You can click here to read case results for some of our clients’ stories.
How Much Will I Have to Pay for a Wrongful Death Civil Case?
The money you accept for your claim will support you for years to come. It is essential to not leave money on the table.
That’s why GB Law works on a contingency fee basis. This means we will not accept payment from clients unless we settle their case or get a winning verdict. In the event we achieve a settlement you agree to or we win at trial, we only take a percentage of the settlement amount. There are no hidden fees or surprises.