If your family member was killed in an accident in Celina, Ohio, you may have the right to pursue compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Contact the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis at (419) 404-4444 for a free consultation. Our experienced Celina wrongful death lawyers can guide you through this process while offering the compassion and legal support you need.
Our award-winning personal injury law firm has more than 150 years of combined experience helping families recover from devastating losses. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients across the State of Ohio, and we’ll dedicate the same commitment to your case from the moment you hire us.
Reach out to our Celina personal injury attorneys when you’re ready to get started. We’ll be at your side throughout this difficult time to the best of our ability.
Why Choose Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis for My Family’s Wrongful Death Case in Celina, Ohio?
When you’re dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, you deserve to have a law firm that will treat your case with the utmost care and determination. That’s exactly what the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis will provide you with.
Our Celina personal injury lawyers are some of the most well-respected in the region and won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what justice demands.
Here’s what sets our Celina wrongful death attorneys apart:
- We have a century and a half of experience practicing personal injury law altogether
- We’ve secured multiple recoveries in the seven figures, including in a wrongful death claim
- We can hire top-rated expert witnesses to make your case as successful as possible
- We’ve been recognized locally and nationally for our exceptional legal services
- We’ll keep you up to date on your case’s progress and your legal options at all times
We were built on the belief that every client deserves dedicated advocacy and honest representation. Contact our wrongful death lawyers in Celina, OH, today to get started with a free case review.
What Is Wrongful Death Under Ohio Law?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.01, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default” causes another person’s death. In other words, it’s a civil claim brought by surviving family members when a death could have been prevented had the at-fault party acted responsibly.
Wrongful death claims are designed to compensate the deceased person’s relatives for their losses, both financial and emotional. These lawsuits are separate from any criminal charges that might also be filed. That means even if the responsible party faces no criminal conviction, you can still win compensation through civil court, where the burden of proof is lower.
Ohio law specifies who may file a wrongful death claim—the personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the claim on behalf of surviving family members, including:
- The surviving spouse
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents of the deceased
If the deceased left no immediate family, other dependents or next of kin may be eligible under certain circumstances.
How Much Is My Celina Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
Every wrongful death case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the specific facts of your situation.
Some factors that may influence your case’s worth include:
- The victim’s age, health, and earning potential
- The extent of their financial and emotional support to the family
- The circumstances of the accident, including whether multiple parties were responsible
- The available insurance coverage or assets of the defendant
- Whether the deceased shared any portion of fault under Ohio’s comparative negligence law
Our wrongful death attorneys in Celina will evaluate your case thoroughly and provide an honest assessment of what you may be entitled to recover. We know that no settlement can replace a loved one, but we’ll fight to secure the compensation your family needs to heal and rebuild.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Celina Wrongful Death Claim?
While nothing can make up for the loss of a family member, a wrongful death claim can provide important financial stability and a sense of accountability. Per Ohio law, compensation in these cases generally falls into two main categories:
Economic damages over the financial losses that result from your loved one’s death, such as:
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury or illness
- Loss of inheritance or household services
Non-economic damages address the emotional and relational toll of the loss, including:
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and affection
- Mental anguish and grief experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of consortium for a spouse
In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was especially egregious, you may also pursue punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you directly but to punish egregious wrongdoing and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Celina, OH?
Most wrongful death attorneys in Ohio, including those at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t owe any money up front to hire our firm or to start your case. Instead, our fee is collected as a percentage of the amount we recover for you through a settlement or court verdict.
This approach allows families to pursue justice without worrying about legal bills during an already difficult time. It also ensures that our lawyers are motivated to achieve the best possible result for your case because if we don’t win, you don’t pay us attorney’s fees.
We’ll review all the details of the fee agreement with you during your free consultation so that you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
What if My Loved One Is Being Blamed for the Accident?
It’s common for defendants to argue that the deceased person shares some responsibility for the accident, and it can affect the compensation available in your case. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence law, meaning your family can still typically recover damages as long as your loved one was less than 50% at fault. However, any compensation you receive could be reduced by that percentage.
For instance, if your loved one was found 20% responsible for the incident and the total damages were valued at $500,000, your family could potentially still recover $400,000.
These claims are often exaggerated by insurance companies trying to limit their liability. Our Celina wrongful death attorneys will carefully investigate the facts and work to protect your loved one’s reputation while maintaining the full value of your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Celina, OH
Wrongful death cases can arise from nearly any situation where negligence or misconduct leads to a fatality.
The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis handles all types of wrongful death cases in Celina and throughout Ohio, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Premises liability
- Criminal acts, such as assaults
No matter how your loved one’s death occurred, our lawyers will conduct a detailed investigation to determine what happened and who is legally responsible.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Ohio?
Ohio’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. Failing to file your lawsuit within that time can result in losing your right to compensation.
There are a few limited exceptions, such as cases involving delayed discovery of negligence, but it’s always best to act quickly. Early legal action allows your attorney to preserve the available evidence and build a winning case before critical deadlines expire.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It in a Wrongful Death Case?
Most wrongful death cases in Ohio are based on the concept of negligence. In simple terms, negligence happens when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonably cautious person would use in the same situation. When that careless behavior causes another person’s death, the responsible party can be held liable through a civil claim.
To prove negligence, you must establish four key elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony can all help demonstrate negligence. Our wrongful death lawyers in Celina will collect and present this information to show the connection between the defendant’s conduct and your loved one’s death.
Contact Our Celina Wrongful Death Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If your family has lost someone due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process with compassion.
Our Celina wrongful death attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions for our deserving clients to date. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your best path forward.
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