Losing a loved one is a painful experience, one that can feel even more painful when a family member’s death is sudden and the result of the careless actions of someone else. Often, families are grief-stricken and at a loss as to what comes next.
At Oliver Law Office, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys want to help guide your family through its next steps, helping you to recover compensation for your family and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
While we understand that money cannot replace a cherished family member, it can help you achieve a measure of financial stability and protect you from the devastating financial fallout of losing a loved one.
For legal guidance and emotional support, contact Olive Law Office today and arrange a confidential consultation. We proudly serve residents throughout the Dayton area. We can accommodate requests for house calls and video meetings to ensure you can access effective and compassionate legal assistance during this challenging time.
Ohio law defines wrongful death as a death caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have allowed the individual to recover compensation if their death had not occurred. This definition may feel confusing and technical, but what the law means is that if an individual dies due to the negligent actions of another, another party can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation on behalf of the deceased.
It can help to think about wrongful death lawsuits like personal injury ones. When someone gets hurt in an accident, like a motor vehicle accident, they can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for their losses. When an accident causes a person’s death instead, another party can step up and file a lawsuit against the deceased individual before.
Situations that can potentially lead to a wrongful death lawsuit in Dayton can include:
At Oliver Law Office, we have the experience and resources to tackle wrongful death cases stemming from car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog attacks, and other situations.
In some states, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one. That is not the case in Dayton. Ohio law stipulates that only the personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A will or estate plan outlines who serves as the personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate. If the individual passes without a will or estate plan, the court may appoint someone as executor. In addition to being able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, the executor also manages the deceased individual’s estate and distributes assets.
Money doesn’t have the power to bring back your loved one or ease the pain you feel in your heart after their passing. However, compensation recovered from a wrongful death lawsuit can help stabilize you and your family during this challenging time.
The value of a wrongful death lawsuit varies depending on the situation’s circumstances, which is why it is vital to involve a knowledgeable Ohio wrongful death attorney who can carefully calculate your family’s losses. In Dayton wrongful death cases, you can generally seek compensation for losses, including:
Although only the personal representative of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit, compensation recovered gets awarded to surviving beneficiaries such as a surviving spouse or children. Extended family members such as siblings or grandparents can only recover compensation if they prove to the court that they suffered a compensable loss.
It may take a long time before you feel ready to confront the death of a loved one and move forward with the legal process. However, families should know that Ohio law limits the time they have to file a wrongful death lawsuit. State law gives the estate’s personal representative two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death case.
If a lawsuit gets filed after this legal deadline passes, the case faces dismissal, and you will lose the ability to have your day in court. Although the pain may still be raw, it is best to consult with a compassionate Ohio wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and ensure you have the time to prepare and file a lawsuit.
Dealing with the Ohio legal system is the last thing you want to do when grieving the loss of a family member. To protect your rights, involving a sensitive wrongful death attorney is crucial as soon as possible. At Oliver Law Office, our legal team does more than provide practical legal advice. We are a shoulder you can lean on for support during this difficult time.
We prioritize your case and strategize the best path forward, offering personalized legal advice to help you recover maximum compensation. For over 30 years, we’ve successfully represented clients and are confident our experience and resources can help you find legal solutions to your unique situation.
At Oliver Law Office, we also represent clients on a contingency basis and only charge you a fee following a successful result, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs.
The legal team at Oliver Law Office is client-focused and emphasizes the clients’ needs. We have a long track record of delivering results and managing every case with compassion, courage, and determination. Losing a loved one is painful. Let our wrongful death lawyers handle the legal side of your situation while you focus on healing and your family.
We welcome Dayton clients at both our Dublin and Columbus offices. We also make meeting with our team as easy as possible for Dayton area residents. Contact our office today and speak with an attorney for free.
Follow these simple driving directions if you come to us from anywhere in the Dayton area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call our office.
From the North:
Take US-33 W toward Dublin. Exit at Post Rd and turn left. Continue on Post Rd and turn right onto Muirfield Dr. Proceed to 7240 Muirfield Dr, Suite 120, which will be on your left.
From the South:
Take I-270 N toward Dublin. Exit at US-33 W toward Marysville. Take the Post Rd exit and turn right. Continue on Post Rd and turn right onto Muirfield Dr. Proceed to 7240 Muirfield Dr, Suite 120, which will be on your left.
From the East:
Take I-270 W toward Dublin. Exit at US-33 W toward Marysville. Take the Post Rd exit and turn right. Continue on Post Rd and turn right onto Muirfield Dr. Proceed to 7240 Muirfield Dr, Suite 120, which will be on your left.
From the West:
Take US-33 E toward Dublin. Exit at Post Rd and turn right. Continue on Post Rd and turn right onto Muirfield Dr. Proceed to 7240 Muirfield Dr, Suite 120, which will be on your left.