The Average Settlement For A Wrongful Death Case In Ohio?

A case of wrongful death would bring forth an average settlement that is much more significant than what you would see in a usual personal injury case. But what would the average compensation be for a wrongful death case in Ohio?

Due to the varying circumstances that come with each wrongful death case, it is impossible to tell you how much a wrongful death settlement would come up to. However, we can examine the different factors that affect your wrongful death case in Ohio so that you can arrive at an estimate with the help of your lawyer.

Factors That Affect A Wrongful Death Case in Ohio

There are a number of factors that influence how much you receive in a wrongful death settlement.

The Age Of The Deceased Party 

Loved ones of the deceased party will get significantly higher compensation for the wrongful death of someone who was relatively young (and of working age) compared to someone who was old and retired. This is because if the deceased party is younger, loved ones will also lose out on several years of financial support and love and emotional support from the deceased party.

The Age Of The Dependents 

If the dependents of the deceased party are young children, then the settlement amount is likely to be greater than if the dependents were older.

The Earning Potential Of The Deceased Party

The earning potential of the deceased party is calculated by determining the average income that they would have earned until the age of retirement. Of course, the kind of education that the deceased person has received and the training they have undergone in their career will have a huge impact on their earning potential.

For instance, the earning potential of a 35-year-old doctor is going to be significantly higher than someone of the same age who works at a grocery store.

Insurance Coverage

The amount of insurance coverage available for wrongful death also impacts the amount of settlement that the loved ones will get. Similarly, pensions and retirement benefits will also have an impact.

Emotional Factors

It is challenging to determine the emotional damage that is caused to the family and loved ones of the deceased party. This is why the perception of the jury is critical in such matters. If the jury believes that the grieving process was painful for the loved ones, then the settlement amount is likely to be higher.

Similarly, if the jury believes that the victim enjoyed positive relationships with their friends and family and that their reputation in the general public was favorable, then the settlement amount is likely to be hiked up as well.

Who Is Responsible For The Death?

The jury’s perception of the at-fault party has a significant impact on the wrongful death settlement amount. For instance, if the jury believes that a third party was negligent or reckless in the circumstances leading to the death of the concerned person, then the settlement amount is going to be higher.

If, on the other hand, the jury believes that it was the negligence of the deceased person that contributed to their own death, then the loved ones might not be able to receive the same amount of compensation.

What Kind Of Compensation Will You Be Eligible For In A Wrongful Death Settlement?

Loved ones will be able to place claims on several kinds of damages that they have suffered in a case of wrongful death. This includes receiving compensation for the loss of financial support, inheritance, services, consortium, and loss of the deceased’s society. Loved ones may also be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses incurred, the funeral and burial expenses, as well as for the mental anguish that they have suffered.

Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer For A Wrongful Death Case In Ohio?

There are several kinds of wrongful death cases, including auto accidents, commercial truck accidents, workplace accidents, and product liability. Each of these cases has its own nuances, which are difficult for laypeople to understand. Further, as we have already seen, several factors affect the kind of compensation you will receive in a case of wrongful death.

A seasoned wrongful death lawyer will be able to provide you with the right kind of advice on how each of these factors will affect your settlement amount. They will also be able to advise you on how to proceed in the matter so that you can recover the damages in an easy and pain-free manner.

If you want to present a wrongful death case in Ohio solidly, contact our expert attorneys today.