Wrongful Death Archives - Bensinger Legal Services

How Do You Prove Fault in an Ohio Wrongful Death Case?

Jul 22, 2020 | By Aaron Bensinger | Read Time: 3 minutes

If you lost a loved one due to injuries they suffered in an accident, you and your family deserve justice. Bringing a wrongful death case can hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligent or wrongful actions and help you recover compensation for your losses. The question is, how do you prove a wrongful death case? In Northwest Ohio, Aaron L. Bensinger of Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC helps families get the justice they deserve. Having an experienced Ohio wrongful death lawyer on your side helps protect your legal rights and increases your chances of a successful outcome. How Do You Prove Wrongful Death in Ohio? Wrongful death occurs when someone’s wrongful or negligent actions leads to the death of another person. Proving fault and establishing liability requires demonstrating these elements. Duty of Care The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a way that would not cause harm to the victim. For example, all motorists owe a duty of care to others on the roadway. Breach of Duty The at-fault party failed to uphold their duty and acted in a way that put the victim at risk of harm. If a driver was looking down at their phone and didn’t notice a stop sign, that driver has breached their duty of care. Causation In breaching their duty, the at-fault party caused the victim’s fatal injuries. So if, in running the stop sign, the driver strikes and kills another motorist, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, etc., the driver’s breach of duty caused the victim’s death. To build the most persuasive case possible, your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather relevant evidence. Your lawyer may call on subject matter experts such as accident reconstruction specialists to provide opinions or testimony to substantiate your claim. Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death? Under Ohio law, only a personal representative of the victim can sue for wrongful death. The personal representative brings legal action on behalf of the victim’s spouse, children, parents, or anyone else who might have a valid claim. The Ohio wrongful death laws are complex and provide only two years from the victim’s death to take legal action. Talking to an experienced attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and, if so, what the potential value of the claim might be. You could be entitled to compensation for the victim’s funeral costs, burial expenses, future lost earnings, lost household assistance, and non-economic damages such as loss of companionship and guidance. Call an Ohio Wrongful Death Attorney Today for Help Although getting a settlement for your loved one’s death can’t undo the damage that was done, it will send a powerful message to the at-fault party and provide a sense of closure for you and your family. Aaron L. Bensinger of Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC strives to provide an unmatched level of compassionate service to our clients. We will work tirelessly to get you and your family the justice you deserve. Contact Aaron L. Bensinger of Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC today to discuss your options for filing an Ohio wrongful death claim. Call or contact us now to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.

Wrongful Death

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Ohio?

Apr 13, 2020 | By Aaron Bensinger | Read Time: 2 minutes

There is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one, especially when their death could have been prevented. If a close family member was killed as the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you may be wondering how to get justice for your loved one. If the person was the primary breadwinner for your family, you may also be worried about how you are going to support yourself or your children. You have remedies if your loved one suffered a wrongful death in Ohio. An Ohio wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options. What Is Wrongful Death? Wrongful death can arise in a number of circumstances. Common causes of wrongful death in Ohio include things like: Automobile accidents, Industrial accidents, Slip and fall accidents, Medical malpractice, Product defects, and Criminal conduct. If your loved one died as a result of any of these circumstances, or other circumstances caused by the wrongful conduct of another, you may have the right to seek compensation. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? In Ohio, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may bring a wrongful death suit. The personal representative brings the action for the benefit of the person’s spouse, children, and parents. The law presumes that these individuals have suffered damages as a result of the wrongful death. In some circumstances, other family members may be included in the suit. However, family members other than a spouse, child, or parent must prove that they personally suffered damages as a result of the death. An attorney can advise you as to whether you may be eligible to be included in an Ohio wrongful death suit. What Compensation Can I Recover for Wrongful Death? In Ohio, damages for wrongful death are calculated based on the losses suffered by the deceased person’s family members. Courts may consider the following losses in an Ohio wrongful death claim: A loss of society, including things like companionship, consortium, protection, and guidance; Loss of financial support; Loss of prospective inheritance; The loss of services, such as household contributions; and Mental anguish. The estate may also recover the cost of funeral and burial expenses for the deceased person. What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Ohio? In Ohio, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years. This means that if you don’t file your wrongful death lawsuit within two years after the death, you will likely lose your opportunity to seek compensation. Additional limitations may apply if the death was the result of a product defect. Your attorney can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and help ensure that you comply with the necessary deadlines. How Can an Ohio Wrongful Death Attorney Help Me? If you recently lost a loved one because of another’s actions, feel free to contact our office. Attorney Aaron Besinger has extensive experience fighting for injury victims and their families. He will handle every aspect of your case, including research, negotiation, and arguing in court, if necessary. For a free consultation, call or contact Besinger Legal Services online today. Although nothing can bring your loved one back, Bensinger Legal Services can help you seek justice and fight for the compensation you need to support yourself and your family.