Compassionate Cincinnati Wrongful Death Lawyers
With over 200 years of combined legal experience handling cases throughout the Cincinnati area, our personal injury attorneys at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima understand the importance and complexity of pursuing a wrongful death case.
We help clients throughout Cincinnati and the surrounding communities, like Hamilton, Warren and Butler counties. The lawyer you choose needs to have the local experience and knowledge necessary to set things right for you and your family.
The Complexity Of Wrongful Death Actions
Wrongful death claims can arise out of any personal injury practice areas. Our attorneys can assist in accidental death cases related to any of the following areas:
- Motor vehicle crashes (fatal car, truck, motorcycle and automobile accidents)
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Police brutality
- Intentional tort and assault
- Construction accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Pharmaceutical and prescription errors
Proving a wrongful death action can be complex. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers approach these cases with compassion and the confidence that we can help you seek justice for your loved one’s death.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death In Ohio?
In Ohio, wrongful death happens when someone dies due to another person’s negligence or wrongful act. This could be from a car accident, medical malpractice or even a workplace accident. If someone else’s careless or intentional actions caused your loved one’s death, it might be considered wrongful death. Our attorneys will investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is responsible for causing it.
How Can Filing A Lawsuit Help You?
In a wrongful death suit, you will seek financial compensation from the party responsible for the accident or injury. Depending on the facts of the case, that could be a driver, health care professional, property owner, manufacturer or dog owner.
Typically, insurance companies will get involved with a wrongful death claim. Insurance companies are businesses, and, just like any other, they want to make a profit. Paying out compensation to injured or wronged parties reduces their bottom line. They often battle hard to deny or undervalue most injury and death claims.
What Types Of Damages Can I Recover In A Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death action can help cover medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses. It also holds the responsible party accountable. These may include:
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of their income
- Your emotional trauma
- Your family member’s pain and suffering prior to death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of the services they provided to the household
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, your family deserves to have enough money to cover your related past, present and future losses. It is important to assess and estimate the full value of your claim so that you do not have to worry about lacking funds in the future. They also know how to negotiate with the insurance company for the economic damages you need. If you do not receive an offer for a fair settlement, then our lawyers will take it to court.
Experienced Local Lawyers With Big-City Capabilities
Whether your wrongful death case is related to a medication error or an accident involving defective construction equipment, these types of cases are complex. Our attorneys use an extensive network of professionals, ranging from grief specialists to accident reconstruction professionals. Our lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that all the details required to support your case are available to them. They will work to find those responsible for the death of your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Lawsuits
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, we know that if you are considering a wrongful death lawsuit, you probably have a lot of questions. Here, our lawyers answer some of the most common questions. For answers regarding your specific case, we offer a free initial consultation.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have a limited time to file a wrongful death claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your loved one’s death. This means you must file your claim within this time frame. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It’s crucial to act quickly to protect your interests and your right to recover damages.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
In Ohio, certain family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Typically, this includes the spouse, children or parents of the deceased. However, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
The representative acts on behalf of all the beneficiaries. An experienced attorney can help you understand who the personal representative is in your case and guide you through the process of filing the claim.
Can I still file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes, you can still file a wrongful death claim even if your loved one was partially at fault. Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as your loved one was less than 51% at fault, you can still seek compensation. However, the amount you receive may be reduced by the percentage of their fault.
For example, if your loved one was 30% at fault, any compensation awarded would be reduced by 30%. It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand how this may impact your case. A lawyer can help evaluate the circumstances and determine the best course of action. They will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your loss.
Our Convenient Cincinnati Office Is Easy To Find
We are located just two blocks east of Pearl’s bar and three blocks east of The Precinct by Jeff Ruby. Our building is just to the west of The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum on Eastern Avenue. The main entrance is on the first floor and on the east side of the building, which faces The Carnegie Center. We have 17 surface parking spaces surrounding the building for easy parking and access.
Consult A Cincinnati Wrongful Death Attorney For Free
Our attorneys are caring and straight-talking. They will take the time to make certain that you are informed about all your options. At the outset, they will make you aware of all possible outcomes in your case. You will be able to rest assured knowing that they are striving to protect what is in the best interests of you and your family. You can schedule your free appointment by calling 513-496-0134 or send us an email.
