Losing a loved one under any circumstances is one of life’s most devastating blows. When that loss occurs due to another’s negligence or intentional harmful acts, the ensuing grief can feel utterly insurmountable. The emotional trauma compounds as questions of justice and accountability suddenly weigh heavily.
During this incredibly difficult time, the compassionate Sylvania wrongful death lawyers at Groth & Associates provide a supportive voice and empathetic guidance. While we understand no legal recourse can make up for your profound loss, our mission is to vigorously pursue the compensation and justice you deserve while allowing your family to focus on mourning.
Our Sylvania personal injury lawyers have been serving accident victims and their families for 23 years. We are ready to seek justice for your family. Call us now for a free consultation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Sylvania, Ohio?
In the state of Ohio, only certain individuals are permitted by law to file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one due to negligence or an intentionally harmful act. These eligible parties are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code section 2125.02.
Under the statute, a wrongful death action must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members and other next of kin. Typically, this is the executor named in the decedent’s will or an administrator appointed by the probate court if no will exists.
The wrongful death damages recovered are intended to provide compensation to the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, and other next of kin. The specific individuals who may receive a portion of the award include the following:
- Surviving spouse: The decedent’s legally married husband or wife at the time of death.
- Children/Grandchildren: Any children of the deceased, including adopted children, as well as the deceased’s grandchildren if a child is also deceased.
- Parents: The natural or adoptive parents of the deceased person.
- Other next of kin: If there is no surviving spouse, children, parents, or grandchildren, more distant family members, such as siblings or cousins, may be eligible.
In some cases, the person’s life partner or others who suffered losses may be able to recover damages as well if they can meet the legal standard of having suffered a compensable loss.
It’s important to note that in Ohio, grown children of the deceased may be able to recover for loss of care, assistance, attention, services, and anticipated inheritance, in addition to mental anguish damages.
At Groth & Associates, our experienced Sylvania wrongful death attorneys are well-versed in the specific statutory requirements for filing these claims and can ensure all procedural steps are properly followed. We’ll compassionately guide you through the process and fight tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation for you and your family members.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Sylvania, call (419) 930-3030
Wrongful Death Damages Our Sylvania Lawyers Can Pursue
When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to another’s negligence, no amount of money can undo the unimaginable loss. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim allows families to recover monetary damages that can provide a measure of accountability, justice, and financial security during a devastating time.
In Ohio, monetary damages that may be awarded in a successful wrongful death action include:
Economic Damages
These compensate for the financial losses and costs stemming from the untimely death, such as:
- Loss of the decedent’s expected earnings and benefits
- Value of services the deceased would have provided (household, parenting, etc.)
- Medical/hospital expenses for treatment prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
Non-Economic Damages
While more challenging to quantify, these damages attempt to compensate for immense intangible losses:
- Mental anguish suffered by the family
- Loss of society (companionship, guidance, etc.)
- Loss of prospective inheritance
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced
The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to make the suffering family “whole” to the degree possible under the circumstances. Determining the full extent of damages requires meticulous investigation in valuing all lost sources of income, companionship, and other invaluable elements.
The compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Sylvania, OH, from Groth & Associates, understand the lifetime impact these losses create. Our lawyers commit every available resource to carefully calculate damages and aggressively pursue the compensation needed to secure the future financial stability of our clients.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, obtaining fair damages creates a path toward accountability and provides the means to rebuild your life. Our legal team becomes your supportive advocates, giving your family a voice during this unimaginable hardship while fighting tirelessly for the justice you deserve. Our case results speak to our dedication to our clients.
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The Statute of Limitations in Ohio Wrongful Death Cases
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the decedent’s passing. This strict time limit is set by Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02. Missing the two-year deadline will likely result in the legal claim being barred altogether.
There are very few exceptions that may “toll” or pause the statutory clock in limited circumstances. Given the restrictive time frame, it’s critical for families to consult an attorney as soon as possible after a tragic loss. The sooner a claim is filed, the easier it is to preserve key evidence and testimony.
At Groth & Associates, we provide compassionate yet timely legal guidance, ensuring no valuable rights or opportunities are sacrificed due to statute of limitations restrictions. Your future financial security is our motivating priority.
Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in Sylvania, OH, Makes Legal Representation Affordable
The premature death of a loved one due to negligence creates unimaginable emotional turmoil. The last thing grieving families should have to worry about is how to afford experienced legal representation during this difficult time.
At Groth & Associates, our Sylvania, OH, wrongful death lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you have access to legal advocacy regardless of your financial situation.
How Contingency Fees Work
With a contingency fee agreement, there are no upfront or hourly fees for our services. We invest our time and resources into building your case with the understanding that our fees will be paid once the matter is successfully resolved through a negotiation or trial award. Our compensation comes as a percentage of the total amount recovered on your behalf.
If we are unable to obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor, you owe us nothing out-of-pocket. The financial risk falls entirely on our firm, not the client.
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Reach Out to Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Sylvania Today
No family should have to endure the profound devastation of an unexpected death caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. While we understand that no amount of compensation can make up for such an immeasurable loss, we want to help you seek justice and compensation that can help you cope with your loved one’s absence.
The Sylvania wrongful death lawyers at Groth & Associates will be by your side from the very start, providing the compassionate support and aggressive legal representation you deserve. We take the financial risk off your shoulders through our contingency fee model. Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form