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Legal Help for the Grieving
Losing a loved one due to negligence, whether from a fatal car crash on I-270, a truck accident on Route 33, a medical error at Riverside Hospital, or a deadly fall, brings immense grief and unexpected financial burdens. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Columbus wrongful death lawyers help families in Franklin County seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and recover compensation to ease the path forward.
Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling wrongful death cases in Franklin County. Call (614) 487-8669 to find out how you and your family can recover everything you need to move forward. We offer 100% free initial consultations and no costs unless you receive compensation.
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Under Ohio Revised Code §2125.01, wrongful death occurs when someone is killed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions brought by the deceased’s estate or surviving family members to recover financial compensation for their losses.
Common causes of wrongful death in Columbus include:
More about Ohio Wrongful Death Laws
Filing a wrongful death claim in Columbus is about justice and protecting your family’s future. A legal claim may help you achieve:
Cover expenses such as funeral and burial costs, medical bills, and the loss of household income that the deceased provided.
Hold negligent individuals, businesses, or institutions responsible for the actions—or inactions—that led to the death.
Wrongful death lawsuits can spark change by exposing dangerous practices, encouraging reform, and helping prevent similar tragedies.
KNR approaches every case with compassion, clarity, and commitment to securing long-term stability for the families we represent.
Read KNR Settlement of Wrongful Death Case Leads to Safer Trucking Practices
Someone must file on the deceased’s behalf in all wrongful death cases. In most cases, the person who files the lawsuit is also the executor of the deceased’s estate. However, others can pursue wrongful death claims.
Individuals that can take legal action are:
While Columbus, OH, wrongful death claims seek compensation for the surviving family’s losses, a survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived. This may include pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income incurred before death.
These two claims serve distinct legal purposes but are often pursued together. A wrongful death claim compensates loved ones for their emotional and financial losses, while a survival action addresses the harm the deceased endured.
KNR can evaluate your unique circumstances and help determine which type of claim or combination of both best supports your case.
To recover compensation, your Columbus wrongful death attorney must establish:
We gather police reports, medical records, expert testimony, and financial documentation to build a strong, evidence-based case.
For instance, if your loved one dies in a fatal car accident in Columbus, you and your lawyer will need to show that the other driver had a duty to follow the traffic laws but breached this duty by driving recklessly and suffered serious injuries because of the collision. Finally, you’ll have to demonstrate that your loved one suffered financial harm prior to their passing.
Wrongful death cases are usually complex, and large insurance companies will likely try to reduce their policyholder’s degree of responsibility so they pay less. When your case involves significant medical bills and other losses, you should consult a capable lawyer to ensure you recover the maximum.
If you’re navigating the overwhelming aftermath of a loved one’s unexpected death in Columbus and are unsure whether legal action is right for you, don’t wait to get informed.
A free consultation with a compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyer in Columbus can help clarify your rights, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps. KNR is here to support you with empathy, professionalism, and the legal strength you need to move forward.
Fight for Everything You’re Owed
When a family member is fatally injured, it may cause a tremendous financial strain. However, Ohio wrongful death law gives loved ones the right to recover damages on behalf of the deceased. This compensation is different than what’s available in a survival action because it represents the damages that would have otherwise been available to the deceased party had they not passed away.
In wrongful death cases, financial damages include, but are not limited to:
A wrongful death lawsuit can be pursued regardless of whether a person is found guilty of harming the deceased individual in criminal proceedings.
At KNR, we have decades of experience and a record of success in Columbus wrongful death claims. For instance, we secured $150,000 for the family of a pedestrian killed by an impaired driver. Let us discuss the options available to you and how to recover all the compensation you deserve.
Courts in Franklin County consider the deceased’s age, health, earning capacity, and the severity of the defendant’s negligence. With KNR, we work with economic experts and forensic accountants to accurately value your loss.
Many wrongful death claims in Columbus are resolved through negotiated settlements. This approach often results in faster compensation and spares families the emotional toll of a trial. KNR negotiates assertively with insurance companies, leveraging strong evidence and local insight to achieve the best possible outcome without going to court.
If settlement negotiations stall or the insurer refuses to take your claim seriously, KNR is fully prepared to file a lawsuit in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. We litigate wrongful death cases involving gross negligence, disputed liability, or complex damages. Our courtroom readiness signals to opposing counsel that we are ready to go the distance to secure justice.
Ohio Personal Injury
KNR was able to obtain a 1.8 million dollar settlement in a wrongful death case against The Greater…
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What Makes KNR Special?
Since our inception in 2005, Kisling, Nestico & Redick has been dedicated to helping personal injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident affects their way of life. We have helped more than 10,000 people, and we’re ready to keep fighting for Ohioans and anyone who deserves compensation for their personal injury claims.
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Contact KNRWhat Makes KNR Special?
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we bring more than just legal experience to your case. Our wrongful death attorneys, based in Columbus, Ohio, bring deep local knowledge, trial-tested strategies, and a commitment to delivering justice for families in the region. We’ve built a reputation with Franklin County judges, understand how local juries evaluate these cases, and leverage Columbus-specific insights to strengthen every claim we handle.
Our attorneys are familiar with the nuances of Columbus wrongful death litigation, including how local courts view evidence, the tendencies of opposing insurers, and the strategies that resonate with juries. Whether the death occurred Downtown, on a rural stretch of U.S. Route 33, or due to medical negligence at Mount Carmel, we know how to tailor our approach to the case and venue.
We work with trusted Columbus-based experts, accident reconstructionists, and economic analysts to ensure no detail goes unexamined. This network helps us establish liability, prove damages, and deliver full-value settlements.
With over 750 years of combined legal experience, over 30 skilled attorneys, and billions recovered across Ohio—including Columbus—we are the team families trust when the stakes are highest.
At KNR, we never back down from a challenge. We’re prepared to take on powerful defendants, push back against unfair settlement tactics, and fight relentlessly for every dollar your family deserves. Because when it comes to justice after a preventable loss, we believe Columbus families deserve nothing less.
“Excellent, in all aspects. Kind and compassionate, and listened to details. Well, satisfied. Thanks, guys !!” John P.
Yes. Under Ohio law, you typically have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, certain exceptions may apply based on the discovery of negligence or the involvement of a government agency. If you wait too long, your case could be dismissed regardless of merit. An experienced Columbus wrongful death lawyer can help confirm your deadline.
The value of a wrongful death case depends on several factors, including the deceased’s age, income, future earning potential, and the impact of their death on surviving family members. Courts in Franklin County also consider funeral costs, medical expenses, and non-economic damages like loss of companionship. To get an accurate estimate, speak with a local attorney familiar with jury trends and verdicts in Columbus.
To prove wrongful death in Columbus, you must demonstrate:
KNR gathers evidence, consults with experts, and works with local investigators to prove each element.
In Ohio, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative (executor) of the deceased’s estate. However, the compensation is awarded to the surviving family members—typically the spouse, children, or parents. In some cases, extended relatives or financial dependents may also be eligible.
Common causes include fatal car accidents on I-71 or Route 315, truck crashes near Rickenbacker, pedestrian deaths in the Short North or Downtown Columbus, medical negligence at OSU Wexner or Mount Carmel, and deadly slip and fall incidents at local businesses or public property. KNR has handled each of these types of claims successfully in Franklin County.
Not always. Many Columbus wrongful death claims are settled through insurance negotiations. However, if the insurer disputes liability, undervalues the claim, or delays resolution, a lawsuit filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas may be necessary. KNR prepares every case for trial from the start to ensure maximum leverage.
If your wrongful death case involves a public hospital, city vehicle, or other government entity, different rules may apply—including shorter deadlines and notice requirements under Ohio’s sovereign immunity laws. Our attorneys have experience handling claims against government agencies in Columbus and can help protect your rights.
