Losing someone you love in a car accident brings overwhelming grief. However, this pain isn’t all you have to deal with during this time. Medical bills and funeral costs for your loved ones can add financial stress to your emotional burden.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide the financial support you need to cover these unexpected expenses—allowing your family to focus on grieving.
Ohio’s wrongful death filing deadline
There are strict deadlines for taking legal action and claiming compensation for wrongful death cases. In the Buckeye State, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The two-year period may also start on the date authorities discover that the death was wrongful. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Building a strong wrongful death case from day one
It’s crucial to file your lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations. But it’s also important to take your time to build a strong case. Use your time wisely to gather and preserve evidence:
- Gather medical records showing the cause of death
- Collect police reports and accident investigations
- Identify and contact potential witnesses
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible
- Keep all bills related to medical care and funeral expenses
Working with an Ohio wrongful death lawyer lets you focus on grieving while they handle these tasks.
Finding justice beyond compensation
While money cannot replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim is still important. The compensation can help cover unexpected expenses and provide financial stability during an already painful time—which can help you focus on finding closure.
Perhaps more importantly, holding negligent parties accountable helps prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. Your action today might save another family from experiencing the same heartbreak tomorrow.