Toledo Wrongful Death Lawyers

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Toledo, OH?

Unlike a personal injury claim, a wrongful death action seeks damages for the victim’s immediate family. The surviving family is considered to also be victims that took the life of a loved one. Ohio’s Revised Statutes section 2125 states that a wrongful death occurs when someone passes away due to another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or default.

Many people are devastated by unexpected and senseless deaths. However, this does not mean they can pursue a claim for wrongful death. The benefits of a wrongful death suit are not available to friends, distant relatives, or other groups. Instead, a personal representative filing a wrongful death claim can only seek damages for the:

• Spouse of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased
• Children of the deceased

More about Ohio Wrongful Death Laws

Common Toledo, Ohio Wrongful Death Cases

Thousands of Ohio residents are killed every year due to no fault of their own. It’s important for your wrongful death attorney to understand how to fully investigate who is responsible. Failure to do this can make it impossible for your family to recover the compensation they deserve.

Of the many wrongful death cases that we have pursued, the most common causes are:

• Car accidents – Dozens of people are killed in traffic accidents in the Toledo area. In addition to the dangers posed on Interstates 90 or 75, many deadly accidents happen on small rural roads or neighborhood streets.
• Pedestrian accidents – Those who travel on foot are sometimes hit by careless car or truck drivers who fail to notice them. This is common in busy areas such as near schools or large venues like Fifth Third Field in Toledo.
• Medical negligence – Malpractice has caused many injuries and deaths at clinics and area hospitals such as St Vincent Medical Center or Mercy Health Children’s Hospital. Your medical malpractice wrongful death lawyer must understand how to investigate the highly technical aspects of your loved one’s unnecessary death.
• Workplace accidents – Employers must take reasonable steps to keep their workers safe while they’re on the job. Injuries on the job are common throughout the Toledo area, and many victims are killed as a result.
• Recreational accidents – People are often badly hurt while engaged in outdoor activities such as boating along the Maumee River or Lake Erie.
• Defective product accidents – A product that was poorly designed or manufactured can fail and cause a terrible accident. This can include machines and tools at work, or products and devices found in our homes.

How a Toledo Lawyer Can Help After a Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases can be complex and hard-fought. No matter how your loved one passed, your damages will likely be paid out by the negligent party’s insurance provider.

Insurance companies seek to limit their financial liability and know that wrongful death cases can mean paying out a significant amount to the victims’ families. Therefore, reducing what you accept is in their best interests.

Your lawyer must understand how to build a strong case for the other party’s negligence. In addition, you will not receive an acceptable offer if the other side does not believe you will take them to court. Our Toledo wrongful death lawyers have years of successful negotiation and trial experience.

Do You Have a Valid Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?

Wrongful Death Damages

Available damages in a wrongful death case include:

• Funeral costs – A funeral can cost thousands of dollars, and this sudden expense can put a great deal of financial difficulty on your family.
• Loss of care and companionship – Ohio law allows the immediate family to seek damages for loss of guidance, counsel, and society if their loved one was taken due to the negligence of another.
• Economic damages – You may have lost a provider whose income helped the entire family. Furthermore, you can seek damages for loss of prospective inheritance that you might have received if the person had lived.
• Pain and anguish – The traumatic emotional suffering that you and your family may be going through can be severe. You have a right to seek damages for this from the responsible party.
• Survival action on behalf of the deceased – Your loved one who passed away may have had a claim for damages sustained before death. You can seek these damages on their behalf, and they can pay for things like the person’s medical bills that added up before they died.

We can discuss all of the options available to you and how to best recover everything you deserve.

Wrongful Death: Statute of Limitations

Ohio law requires you to take legal action within a limited amount of time after the wrongful death. The statute of limitations requires claims to be filed within two years of the victim’s death.

This may seem like a long time to consider your options, but it’s really not. Your case can be complex, and your lawyer will have to gather all of the necessary evidence required to build a strong argument for the other party’s responsibility.

The Benefits of Working with KNR’s Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating, and pursuing a wrongful death claim in Toledo can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Toledo wrongful death lawyers provide compassionate guidance and powerful legal representation rooted in decades of experience. We know what it takes to build a strong case and hold the responsible parties accountable—whether the loss was caused by a fatal car crash, medical negligence, or a defective product.

Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing. We thoroughly investigate the facts, consult with experts, and pursue full and fair compensation through settlement or litigation. The steps we take include:

• Investigating the cause of your loved one’s death, including reviewing accident scenes and gathering emergency responder and witness reports
• Consulting with medical professionals to clearly establish that the death resulted from another party’s negligence or wrongdoing
• Gathering key evidence such as expert testimony, medical records, and financial documentation to prove liability and the extent of your loss
• Evaluating the total damages suffered by your family, including funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering
• Filing claims, managing insurance negotiations, and preparing for trial if necessary
• Providing regular updates and guidance throughout the legal process, so you’re never in the dark about your case
• Working on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf

Set Up Your Free Consult