How Much is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth in Ohio?

While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a family member, Ohio law recognizes the profound impact such a loss can have on survivors. Wrongful death lawsuits provide a way for families to seek justice and financial stability in the wake of tragedy.

At The Jones Firm, we understand the pain and confusion you’re facing. You may be wondering, “How much is a wrongful death lawsuit worth in Ohio?” While there’s no simple answer, we can help you understand the factors that influence the value of these cases and what you might expect from the legal process.

Factors That Determine the Value of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Ohio

Every wrongful death case is unique, and the potential value depends on various factors. Ohio law outlines specific types of damages that can be recovered in these lawsuits. Let’s break them down:

1. Economic Damages

These are the tangible, financial losses resulting from your loved one’s death. They include:

• Loss of Income: The earnings the deceased would have provided to the family if they had lived. This often involves calculating the deceased’s life expectancy and projected future earnings.
• Loss of Services: The value of services the deceased would have provided, such as childcare, household maintenance, or elder care.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: The costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.

2. Non-Economic Damages

These damages are more challenging to quantify but are equally important. They include:

• Loss of Society: The deprivation of the deceased’s companionship, care, assistance, attention, protection, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, and education.
• Mental Anguish: The emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

3. Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. However, they are relatively rare in wrongful death cases.

Ohio’s Approach to Calculating Damages

Ohio law takes a comprehensive approach to determining damages in wrongful death cases. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, the jury or court may consider all factors existing at the time of the decedent’s death that are relevant to a determination of the damages suffered by reason of the wrongful death.

Some key points to understand:

1. No Caps on Damages: While there are caps on non-economic damages in some personal injury cases, these caps do not apply to wrongful death cases in Ohio.
2. Consideration of Future Damages: The law allows for the consideration of the deceased’s projected future earnings and services.
3. Distribution of Damages: The court will determine how to distribute the damages among the beneficiaries, taking into account the degree of loss each beneficiary has suffered.

Factors That Can Influence the Value of Your Case

While every case is unique, several factors can significantly impact the potential value of a wrongful death lawsuit:

1. Age of the Deceased: Younger individuals with longer life expectancies may result in higher awards for loss of future income. Non-economic damages may also be affected by the age of the deceased at the time of death. Younger individuals might have had a greater amount of time left to spend with their family had they lived.
2. Income of the Deceased: Higher-earning individuals typically result in larger awards for loss of financial support.
3. Dependents: The number and age of dependents left behind can influence the damages awarded.
4. Circumstances of the Death: More egregious acts of negligence may lead to higher awards, particularly if punitive damages are involved.
5. Insurance Coverage: The available insurance coverage of the at-fault party can sometimes limit the recoverable amount.
6. Strength of Evidence: Clear, compelling evidence of fault can lead to higher settlements or verdicts.
7. Comparative Negligence: If the deceased was partially at fault for the incident that led to their death, it could reduce the damages awarded.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

Determining the worth of a wrongful death lawsuit is a complex process that requires legal expertise, thorough investigation, and, sometimes, input from economic experts.

At The Jones Firm, we have the experience and resources to:

1. Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death
2. Identify all potentially liable parties
3. Calculate the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses
4. Build a compelling case to maximize your recovery
5. Negotiate skillfully with insurance companies and corporations
6. Take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation

Time is of the Essence

In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. The sooner you reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence and building a solid claim.

We’re Here to Help

At The Jones Firm, we understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of your loved one. Our goal is to help you secure the financial stability you need to move forward and to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Contact The Jones Firm today for a free, compassionate consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for seeking justice.

Remember, you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get started. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

Your loved one’s life was priceless. While we can’t bring them back, we can fight to ensure their loss is fully recognized under the law. Reach out to The Jones Firm today, and let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.