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Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is traumatizing. Gervelis Law Firm’s experienced Columbus wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Our firm builds strong cases to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure insurance companies take you seriously. Contact us for a case consultation. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.
Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. When your loved one was lost due to the negligence of another, it can be even more devastating. Our Columbus wrongful death lawyers help families secure justice by holding negligent parties accountable and recovering the financial compensation they are entitled to.
At Gervelis Law Firm, we offer compassionate and committed legal representation. Our Columbus attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to move your claim forward. We can guide you through the legal process every step of the way and keep you informed. We want you to be able to focus on your family during this difficult time.
What sets our law firm apart is our track record of delivering results for clients, whether through large settlements or favorable court verdicts. We understand how to strategically manage negotiations, but are also willing to take cases to court when needed. Our success in court has earned us recognition from prominent groups such as Super Lawyers for multiple years in a row.
Under Ohio law, a wrongful death happens when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct. The law allows surviving family members and dependents to seek compensation for the losses caused by their death. In a large city like Columbus, these cases involve plaintiffs from neighborhoods such as German Village, Clintonville, and Franklinton.
A wrongful death can result from an act of violence, whether it is an assault that leads to a fatal injury or a premeditated murder. The violent crime rate in Columbus is 2.528 per 1,000 residents in the typical year. Even when the assailant is arrested and held at Franklin County Corrections Center 1 at 370 S Front Street in Columbus, they can still face civil liabilities through a wrongful death claim.
Car collisions are another common cause of wrongful deaths in Ohio. The number of fatal car collisions across the state in 2025 was 1,125. While deadly crashes are on the decline, any collision involving negligence or misconduct can leave the at-fault party liable for the death.
Premises liability cases can also lead to a wrongful death claim. In 2023, more than 41,000 adults 65 and older died from an unintentional fall. When property owners fail to address hazards, they can be held liable for any harm that results from a visitor or guest falling.
Importantly, Ohio sets a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Any representative seeking compensation through a wrongful death claim must file their claim within two years of the decedent’s death. Failing to meet this filing deadline could mean that the claimant is barred unless a very narrow statutory exception applies.
A wrongful death in Columbus can happen as a result of many types of accidents. Our firm handles cases involving:
Recovering compensation after a wrongful death in Columbus can be complicated. The negligent party who caused the accident may refuse to accept responsibility or not even admit to any wrongdoing.
In Ohio, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, not by individual family members directly. The personal representative may be the executor named in a will or an administrator appointed by the probate court. Although the wrongful death claim is filed by one individual, multiple surviving family members may recover compensation through the action.
Under Ohio law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents are typically the primary beneficiaries, and the courts generally presume they have suffered compensable losses. Other next of kin may also recover if they can show a personal loss tied to the death. Even in cases where no administrator was named, the courts can appoint one. Timely action is crucial due to the statute of limitations governing these actions.
Compensation in an Ohio wrongful death case can address the losses caused by a loved one’s death. Recoverable damages may address loss of financial support, lost future earnings, and the value of services the decedent would have provided to their family.
Families may also seek compensation for:
In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct, additional damages may be available. The amount recovered depends on factors such as the decedent’s age, health, income, and family relationships, as well as the strength of the evidence tying the death to another party’s negligence or misconduct.
Insurance companies often act in their own best interests. They may deny any liability for the loss of your loved one. They know there’s a lot of money at stake and take steps to protect themselves. They may blame someone else for what happened, and insurance companies have lawyers to fight on their behalf.
That’s why you need to hire a wrongful death attorney. A Columbus wrongful death lawyer who will fight for you and help your family get justice. Our firm has been fighting for clients throughout Ohio for decades. We can build a strong wrongful death case based on wrongful death laws that insurance companies must take seriously.
The insurance company may offer your family a settlement. They are hoping you will accept it and leave them alone. Their offer is likely to fall far short of covering the damages you have suffered. These damages include medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship. Our goal is to help you recover maximum compensation.
A: The average wrongful death settlement in Ohio varies considerably. Key factors that determine the final amount paid out include the decedent’s age, earning capacity, the needs of dependents, the degree of negligence or misconduct related to the death, and other factors. Having strong legal representation can play a key role in shaping the final outcome of the claim and in maximizing the compensation owed.
A: A lawyer charges for the time and resources they put into a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death attorneys are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they receive a set percentage of the final settlement or court verdict. Under this arrangement, both the attorney and client are incentivized to maximize the compensation they receive. The specific percentage varies and can be discussed before the client signs the client-attorney agreement.
A: Under Ohio law, wrongful death claims are brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of surviving beneficiaries. These beneficiaries usually include the surviving spouse, children, and parents. Other next of kin may qualify for compensation if they can demonstrate a loss resulting from the death. The courts presume that close family members suffer damages.
A: The odds of winning a wrongful death claim depend in large part on the strength of the evidence and the experience of the plaintiff’s attorney. With strong medical records, witness testimony, and clear proof of damages, there is a strong chance of winning a wrongful death claim. Another factor that can determine the size of the final settlement is the degree of negligence or misconduct that can be proven.
A: In Ohio, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death claim. This deadline is set by statute and applies in most cases. If a claim is not filed within that time frame, the right to pursue compensation may be lost. Exceptions to these rules are very rare. Seeking legal representation early on can ensure your attorney meets critical filing deadlines, preventing the case from being dismissed for missing the statute of limitations deadline.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm to discuss your case with a trusted Ohio
with a trusted Ohio personal injury attorney.
Our Columbus law firm starts by getting the facts. Our investigators carefully examine what happened to your loved one. We gather evidence and take action to gain access to evidence controlled by other parties. We carefully review accident reports and medical records and interview witnesses. As needed, we consult professionals.
Wrongful death cases can take time to resolve, but our Columbus attorneys are committed to helping your family get the greatest possible outcome. Many times, after building a strong case, we can negotiate a favorable settlement with the insurance company, but we are always prepared to fight for your loved one in court.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys. There is no cost and no obligation. There are also no upfront fees or costs if we represent you. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we recover financial compensation for you.
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