Losing a loved one because of someone's negligence is a devastating experience. While no lawsuit can undo your loss, holding the responsible party accountable can provide the financial stability your family needs to move forward.
The Cincinnati wrongful death lawyers at The Cochran Firm are here to help. We understand the emotional and financial toll an unexpected death takes on a family. Our mission is to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and funeral expenses. We honor the legacy of our founder, Johnnie Cochran Jr., by providing compassionate, determined representation for every client. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help your family.
While every case is unique and past results do not guarantee a future outcome, our history of significant verdicts demonstrates our commitment to securing justice for families who have lost a loved one. The Cochran Firm has a national reputation for holding negligent parties accountable in complex wrongful death litigation.
A wrongful death claim can arise from any situation where one party's negligence or intentional act causes another person's death. Our Cincinnati wrongful death attorneys have experience handling a wide range of these tragic cases, including those involving:
In Ohio, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed when a person’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. These claims are civil cases and must meet the preponderance of the evidence standard—meaning the evidence must show that the defendant’s actions were more likely than not responsible for the death.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.01, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
To build a strong wrongful death case in Ohio, your attorney will gather key evidence to establish negligence and calculate damages. This process includes:
In Ohio, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death, as outlined in the state’s statute of limitations. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Gathering strong evidence and working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Ohio is essential to navigating the legal process and securing the justice your family deserves.
The majority of wrongful death lawsuits in Cincinnati, Ohio do not go to trial and are instead resolved through settlements. Insurance companies and defendants often prefer to negotiate a settlement to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. In many cases, a skilled wrongful death attorney can negotiate a fair settlement without the need for litigation.
However, some wrongful death cases do proceed to trial, particularly when:
If a wrongful death case does go to trial, the process can take months or even years to reach a resolution. A jury will evaluate the evidence presented by both sides and determine whether the defendant is legally responsible and, if so, how much compensation should be awarded.
While settlements are more common, having an experienced wrongful death lawyer is crucial. They can assess whether a settlement offer is fair or if taking the case to trial is the best option to secure the maximum compensation for your family.
The steps you take in the days and weeks following a fatal accident are important for protecting your family's well-being and legal rights. While grieving, try to take the following steps:
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating, and pursuing a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming. You need the support of an experienced wrongful death attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and has a proven track record of success. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to under the law. At The Cochran Firm Cincinnati, we have the experience, resources, and results to advocate for families who have suffered unimaginable loss. With offices across the country and a team of dedicated attorneys, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing justice for our clients. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t face this battle alone. Contact the wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm Cincinnati today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Let us help you seek the justice and financial recovery your family deserves.
Our wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees for our services. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your family through a settlement or verdict.
There is no "average" settlement amount, as each case is unique. The value of a claim depends on many factors, including the age and earning capacity of the deceased, the number of dependents, the amount of medical and funeral expenses, and the circumstances of the death. An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific case to determine its potential value.
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate. This person files the claim on behalf of the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, and parents, who are entitled to recover damages.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the person's death. It is critical to contact an attorney well before this deadline expires, as failing to file in time can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
To prove negligence, your attorney must show four elements:
