One of the most devastating things that can happen to a family is the loss of their loved one, especially if it happened because of the misconduct or negligence of someone else. The death of a loved one due to someone else's negligence can lead to several legal and monetary processes that may add up to the burden that the family is already experiencing.
In these cases, hiring a wrongful death attorney may be the best course of action to make. These lawyers can certainly help a particular family member, such as a surviving spouse, claim compensation for all the damages caused due to the accident.
The OH wrongful death lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD have experience in wrongful death law in Westerville, OH, and they may help anyone in these tough times. Those who want more information on wrongful death cases may keep reading the following page.
What Counts as Wrongful Death in Westerville, OH?
First, it's vital to explain what counts as wrongful death. In essence, wrongful death is a civil action that a person can take with the help of wrongful death attorneys against someone who caused a death.
In most cases, a wrongful death claim is filed by the deceased person's close relatives to seek monetary compensation for all the damages caused. The death can be caused by someone else's misconduct or negligence.
Some of the scenarios that count for a wrongful death claim include:
Car accidents
Medical malpractice
Defective products
Workplace accidents
and more
Can Personal Injury Lawyers Cover a Wrongful Death Suit?
Overall, wrongful death is a type of personal injury case. A personal injury lawyer can seek compensation for any damages the serious injury caused to the deceased person and surviving family member. It's important to note that a personal injury lawyer is not the same as a criminal defense lawyer.
In these cases, a personal injury law firm like The Keating Firm LTD can help victims go through these legal issues according to Ohio law.
Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in Westerville, OH?
According to Ohio's respective state bar association, the only authorized people who can file a wrongful death case include the personal representative of the deceased's estate. It's vital to note that this personal representative may only be an individual and not an entity.
Some of the people authorized to make a wrongful death case include:
Surviving family members
Designated attorney
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Westerville, OH?
In Ohio, the statute of limitations is two years from the date the person died. Anyone who wants to ensure proper wrongful death compensation must file a wrongful death lawsuit as soon as possible.
Once the two years have passed, getting a personal injury law firm to file a wrongful death suit may be much harder, decreasing the person's chances of getting compensation.
Who Can Get Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases?
According to Ohio law, not all family members are entitled to seek compensation for damages in these personal injury cases. Some allowed members include the following:
Surviving spouse
Children
Parents
If it's approved by the court, family members, such as grandparents or siblings, may be able to recover damages too.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney in Westerville, OH?
While there are many wrongful death lawyers in Westerville, OH, not all of them offer the expertise that the law office at The Keating Firm LTD has. Upon a free initial consultation, the victims can determine all of their legal needs when it comes to seeking compensation for damages.
Filing a lawsuit without the help of law firms in Westerville, Ohio, can be a burden, especially considering the emotional toll that the death of a loved one has caused to family members. Getting help from a wrongful death attorney can ease that burden and allow the victims to grieve and focus on their recovery.
What Damages Can Be Recovered with Wrongful Death Lawyers?
Upon free consultation, victims will be able to determine all the damages they can possibly recover from the case. Here's a list of possible damages that people may recover in most cases in Westerville, Ohio:
Lost wages / Loss of income
Loss of companionship
Loss of personal support
Loss of inheritance
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Medical/funeral expenses
What Happens When Someone Files a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Westerville, Ohio?
Once the accident victim requests a free case evaluation from The Keating Firm LTD, they will get all the information they need to start building their case.
Below is a list of some of the factors that the law firm and the wrongful death lawyer in Columbus will take care of upon scheduling a case:
Gathering Evidence: The wrongful death lawyers will gather as much evidence as possible to prove that the defendant was responsible for the death of the other person. Overall, the type of evidence used will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Talking to Witnesses: In most cases, there will likely be one or two witnesses that the wrongful death lawyers can request help from. These witnesses could be asked to provide a statement in court to support the claims made by the law firm.
Seeking Police Reports: Things like car accidents can get messy fast. Here, wrongful death lawyers can talk to police officers to get a report that outlines how the accident happened. This can be beneficial in court since it can help prove who was at fault for the accident.
Talking to Insurance Companies: The attorney will talk to the respective insurance companies so that they can assess how much money they can get in compensation for their clients. In most cases, the defendant's insurance company will try to provide a lower amount of money, which is why it's important for the wrongful death lawyers to build a strong case.
Representing the Family Members in Court: Sometimes, the case may go to court, which makes things more complicated. Here, the wrongful death lawyers will do everything in their power to represent the victims and get them the compensation they deserve.
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Scheduling a Free Consultation with Reputable Lawyers in Westerville, OH | The Keating Firm LTD
A wrongful death case in Westerville, OH, can easily become a big problem for the deceased's family. The lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD are more than ready to help these people seek compensation for all the damages caused.
Those who are looking for the right attorney in Westerville, Ohio, may seek a free consultation with the team at The Keating Firm LTD today!