Wrongful death

“Killin' a man is a hell of a thing kid – you take everything he’s got and everything he’s ever gonna have.”- Clint Eastwood in “The Unforgiven”

Partner Ron Plymale has both tried and settled many claims for the survivors of those whose death was caused by the careless or wrongful acts of others with damage awards up to $4.5 mllion. Ron has frequently taught other lawyers in seminars focusing on the law of wrongful death and the evidence and techniques most effective in obtaining the right result for the client.

The unexpected death of a family member is an extremely difficult experience for survivors, requiring the lawyer to be sensitive to the needs and the emotional pain of the family. Because the person who may know the most about what really happened is now gone, in many cases the proof needed can only be acquired through prompt investigation. Because a death is involved, the police may have done some, though never all of the necessary investigative work.

Ohio law, with respect to wrongful death claims, places limits on the amount recoverable for non-economic damages such as grief. It is, therefore, important to emphasize and prove the economic loss to the family. For instance, many don’t give propert thought to the economic impact ofthe loss of a homemaker, wife, or mother. For example, a mother’s death deprives the family of services that are expensive to replace. She was the family cab driver, counselor, nurse, maid, interior decorator, teacher’s aid, shopper, cook, book keeper and often it’s spiritual leader.

These services can never be fully replaced and the cost of partial replacement is high. The death of dad may mean the loss of the family’s economic security, repair man, and disciplinarian. Finall, nothing can be more emotionally devastating than the death of a child.

At Plymale and Dingus we not only know the law but, through much past experience, are sensitive to your loss and your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced wrongful death attorneys can assist you.