When negligence or reckless behavior leads to a fatal accident, Ohio law gives surviving family members the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. That includes car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and defective products cases. At The Donahey Law Firm, our wrongful death attorneys in Columbus combine decades of trial experience with genuine compassion for the families we serve. We handle every aspect of the legal process, from investigating the cause of death to negotiating with insurers — all with no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose The Donahey Law Firm as Your Wrongful Death Attorney in Columbus
- Decades of Compassionate Advocacy: Since 1968, we have been helping families in Columbus and throughout Ohio seek justice for the wrongful death of their loved ones.
- A Record of Holding Negligent Parties Accountable: Our attorneys have successfully held negligent individuals, corporations, and healthcare providers accountable through settlements and jury verdicts.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You won’t owe us any attorney fees unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without any upfront financial burden.
- Prepared to Go to Trial: Unlike firms that rush toward quick settlements, our attorneys build every case with the courtroom in mind from the very beginning. When insurance companies know we’re genuinely prepared to go to trial, they’re far more likely to offer the fair compensation our clients deserve.
- Deep Understanding of Ohio Wrongful Death Law: Our Columbus wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling these cases, giving us in-depth knowledge of Ohio statutes, filing procedures, and damages for surviving loved ones.
- Empathetic, Supportive Guidance: We understand the challenges you and your loved ones are going through. We provide caring, compassionate support to help guide you through every step of your case.
- Focused on Your Family’s Future: We take on the legal and financial burdens of your case so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
“When we take on cases, we commit to being fully focused on them. Our firm has the resources to manage complex lawsuits, and that’s why people refer them to us. Many firms aren’t set up to handle the complexity and investment that wrongful death cases truly require — but we are. That’s what we’ve always done.”
–Gordon Evans
Our 5-Step Process for Securing Maximum Compensation
No-Cost Case Review: When you’re ready, our team is here to listen. Contact us to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Columbus who will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand whether you have a claim — with no obligation and no upfront cost.
Thorough Investigation: We gather all relevant evidence, including police and accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert analysis. This allows us to establish liability and build the strongest possible case on your family’s behalf.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: We work with financial and medical experts to account for all damages your family is owed, including funeral and burial costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and the long-term financial impact of your loved one’s passing.
Negotiating for the Compensation Your Family Deserves: We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies so your family can focus on grieving. We fight for the maximum settlement you deserve, rather than accepting an early lowball offer.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable in Court: When the party responsible for your loved one’s death refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take the fight to the courtroom. Our attorneys have tried numerous wrongful death cases to verdict, and we will not back down until the people responsible for your family’s loss are held accountable.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Ohio
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys represent families across the full range of fatal accident and negligence cases, including:
If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Ohio, contact us for a free consultation.
Hire a Trusted Columbus Wrongful Death Attorney
Your family should not have to face this time alone. The Donahey Law Firm has been fighting for Ohio families for over 50 years, and we are ready to fight for yours. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Columbus wrongful death attorney — there are no upfront costs, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In Ohio, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members. Eligible beneficiaries typically include a surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. In some cases, other family members who suffered a measurable loss may also be entitled to compensation. A Columbus wrongful death attorney can help you determine who qualifies to recover damages in your specific situation.
A wrongful death claim in Ohio can recover a wide range of damages (compensation), including funeral and burial expenses, the deceased’s lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship and guidance, and the surviving family members’ pain and suffering. In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Every case is different, and our attorneys will work to calculate the full value of your family’s claim.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death in Ohio is generally two years from the date of death. Because evidence can be lost or damaged over time, it’s important to speak with a Columbus wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family, separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from the same incident. Even if criminal charges are not filed — or if the responsible party is acquitted — a family can still pursue and win a wrongful death claim. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, meaning it may be possible to recover compensation even when a criminal conviction was not obtained.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Some cases are resolved through settlement within months, while others may take several years if litigation is required. Regardless of the timeline, our attorneys are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for your family and will keep you informed at every stage of the process.
No. The Donahey Law Firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family. We also cover all case expenses throughout the legal process, including expert witness fees and investigation costs. You can focus on your family while we handle everything else.
Talk to a Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyer
You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The Donahey Law Firm is here to help your family pursue justice and financial peace of mind after the loss of a loved one. Schedule your free consultation with a compassionate wrongful death attorney in Columbus, proudly serving families throughout Ohio.