You may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses after losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Westerville can help you file a lawsuit against the liable party to secure the funds you need to cover your expenses and support you and your family as you heal.
At Cooper Elliott, we have over 100 years of combined experience that we’ll bring to your case. We will use our vast legal knowledge in wrongful death matters to help ensure a positive result. Our team of Westerville personal injury lawyers has a proven history in court and through settlement negotiations. Contact us today to arrange a free case consultation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Ohio, only the personal representative of the deceased is authorized to file a wrongful death claim. While only this designated representative can initiate the claim, any compensation recovered can be distributed among various family members.
If the deceased left a will, the personal representative is typically named in that document. In the absence of a will, the probate court will appoint someone to manage the deceased’s estate.
If the wrongful death victim was married, the surviving spouse is usually appointed as the personal representative. If there is no surviving spouse, the court will designate the next of kin. Should no appropriate next of kin be available to serve, the court will select another suitable individual for the role.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Westerville, call 614-481-6000
Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Westerville Get Paid for Results
When you choose the legal team at Cooper Elliott, you never have to worry about unaffordable legal fees. Our Westerville wrongful death attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation for your losses. You won’t need to pay a fee to retain our service or be billed at an hourly rate.
Instead, we charge a single fee at the end of your case, contingent upon recovering money for your losses. This fee is a fixed percentage of the amount obtained from the at-fault party and is deducted directly from the recovered money, ensuring you incur no upfront costs. This payment system allows us to help anyone affected by wrongful death, regardless of financial standing.
We are committed to helping you obtain legal support without the risk of further financial challenges. When pursuing damages following the wrongful death of a loved one, securing legal assistance can be crucial. Don’t let financial concerns hinder your access to experienced legal representation.
Westerville Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
Be Aware of the Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When pursuing compensation through a lawsuit after the loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to be aware of all deadlines in your case. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Ohio is typically two years. This means you have two years from the date of death to submit the required paperwork for your lawsuit, or you run the risk of losing your right to claim damages.
Getting help from an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible following your loss is the best way to safeguard your rights and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines in your case. Your lawyer will determine whether any exceptions apply and ensure your documents are completed accurately and filed well before the cutoff date.
Engaging the services of a wrongful death lawyer serving Westerville shortly after your loved one’s passing will allow them to build a strong case on your behalf. The sooner we begin, the more effectively we can gather relevant evidence to establish liability and damages. Furthermore, we can take witness statements while their recollections of the event are still fresh.
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Damages You Have the Right to Claim Following a Wrongful Death in Westerville
Family members can receive various types of damages through a wrongful death case in Ohio. Obtaining compensation from the liable party is essential for covering expenses and dealing with this challenging time.
To help put yourself in a position to receive the full compensation you deserve, it’s important to determine all available compensatory damages and assess whether you are eligible to pursue punitive damages as well.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages aim to reimburse families for all losses incurred due to the wrongful death of a loved one. These include economic damages that directly impact your finances, including:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages the deceased would have earned throughout their lifetime
- Property damage
In addition to economic damages, many non-economic damages may also be available. These damages affect your quality of life and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
An experienced wrongful death attorney in Westerville can help you secure compensation for these and other related expenses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may apply in your case if the liable party acted with intent to inflict harm or exhibited criminal negligence. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate family members for the losses they incurred.
The main purpose of awarding punitive damages is to punish the responsible party for their actions that contributed to the wrongful death.
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Get Help From Our Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Westerville Today
Following the wrongful death of your loved one, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the best ways to enhance your chances of getting the compensation you need and deserve. At Cooper Elliott, we have recovered over $700 million for our clients. Let us leverage our vast experience and knowledge of personal injury law to help with your case.
Explore our case results to see how we have helped families facing similar losses. Then, contact us by phone or completing our online contact form to learn how we can assist you during a free case evaluation today.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
