The sudden loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can go through. It shakes the foundation of your life, especially when the loss could have been prevented. When someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing caused the death, families are left not only grieving but also overwhelmed with questions and uncertainty.
In these painful moments, one question will arise sooner or later: do I need a wrongful death attorney?
The simple answer is yes, you should speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney. Law firms like The Richards Firm offer free consultations with no commitments, so there is no harm in reaching out.
However, we understand it can be a little intimidating contacting an attorney, and you’re already processing so much. To put you at ease and help you understand why you should contact a lawyer sooner than later, let’s take a deeper look at what wrongful death is and how an attorney can help.
Understanding Wrongful Death
Before we answer the question “why do I need a wrongful death attorney,” it’s important to understand what “wrongful death” actually means from a legal perspective.
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligent, careless, or intentional actions or omissions of another person or entity. These aren’t just “accidents” in the everyday sense. They are legal events with consequences that can (and should) lead to accountability and financial compensation.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Defective products or medical devices
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Workplace incidents
- Dog attacks or other premises liability situations
In Ohio and Kentucky, certain surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages on behalf of the deceased. These damages can include funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and more.
Now that we have that established, let’s return to the original question: do I need a wrongful death attorney?
What a Wrongful Death Attorney Does
Hiring a lawyer can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had to work with one before. If you’ve experienced a wrongful death, it’s important you don’t reach out to the first attorney firm you stumble upon. Instead, you should specifically reach out to a lawyer that is experienced in handling wrongful death cases.
Here is what you can expect from a trustworthy wrongful death attorney:
1. They Understand the Legal Process So You Don’t Have To
The legal process surrounding wrongful death is complex. There are statutes of limitations, specific parties who can file the claim, probate court considerations, and various types of damages to consider.
A wrongful death attorney takes that burden off your shoulders by:
- Filing the necessary paperwork
- Meeting legal deadlines
- Investigating the cause of death
- Identifying liable parties
- Working with expert witnesses, if needed
- Helping you understand your rights and options
2. They Protect Your Interests
When someone dies due to negligence or harmful actions, the other side will likely begin preparing their defense immediately. This means reaching out to their own attorneys and building a case against your claims.
Even if you believe the evidence clearly favors your side, things can quickly change when other lawyers and insurance investigators get involved. It’s critical that you have someone with knowledge and experience in your corner. Otherwise, you could be underpaid or have your claim dismissed entirely.
3. They Accurately Value Your Claim
How do you measure the loss of someone you love? Emotionally, you can’t. But legally, certain damages can be pursued. A wrongful death attorney will consider:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the incident
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship, guidance, support, and more
It’s easy to overlook things when you’re dealing with the grief of a wrongful death and you’re unfamiliar with the situation. An attorney will make sure everything is covered.
4. They Give You Time and Space to Grieve
One of the most overlooked benefits of hiring a wrongful death attorney is the emotional space they give you. Instead of trying to juggle legal forms, deadlines, and tough conversations, you can focus on what truly matters—grieving and supporting your loved ones.
Your attorney handles the legal chaos so you can begin healing.
When to Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney
We understand that no one wants to call a lawyer, especially in the early days of grief. But here’s the truth: the sooner you contact a wrongful death attorney, the better.
Here is why timing is so critical when it comes to contacting a wrongful death attorney:
Preserving Critical Evidence
The window to gather helpful evidence after an accident is shorter than people realize. Witness memories fade, accident scenes change, and documents can be lost or altered. You must act quickly.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can begin an immediate investigation, collecting records, speaking with witnesses, reviewing medical reports, and securing anything else that strengthens your case.
Don’t Miss the Legal Deadline
Every state has a statute of limitations (legal time limit) filing a wrongful death claim. In Ohio, this deadline is typically two years from the date of death. If you miss this window, you may lose your legal right to seek compensation entirely, no matter how valid your case is.
A wrongful death attorney will ensure everything is filed correctly and on time, giving your case the foundation it needs without adding more stress to your already overwhelming situation.
Protect Yourself from Denial and Underpayment
After a wrongful death, insurance companies often move quickly. They may reach out with a settlement offer before you’ve had time to grieve, hoping you’ll accept without realizing the full value of your claim. The at-fault party might also make a push to settle quickly.
These early offers are usually lower than what families are entitled to. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to accept something that seems helpful in the short term but doesn’t come close to covering long-term needs.
A skilled attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and fight to make sure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
Recap: Do I Need a Wrongful Death Attorney?
The last thing we want you to feel is pressured. Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not you need a wrongful death attorney. Technically speaking, you are not obligated to hire one after a wrongful death. However, it is likely in your best interest to do so.
Let’s take a look at a checklist for when you may need a wrongful death attorney:
✅ You lost a loved one due to an accident, mistake, or someone else’s omission
✅ You’re facing large medical bills or funeral costs
✅ You relied on the deceased for income or care
✅ The death involved a vehicle, nursing home, or some other entity
✅ You’re not sure who’s responsible or what your legal options are
✅ An insurance company has reached out with an offer
✅ You simply want answers and someone to talk to
If any of these apply to you, we’d recommend speaking to a wrongful death attorney. The question isn’t really do I need a wrongful death attorney; it’s why wouldn’t I at least talk to one?
Need a Wrongful Death Attorney? The Richards Firm is Here
As we said before, while it is important that you contact an attorney quickly, you shouldn’t simply reach out to the first attorney you find listed. For a wrongful death case, you want an experienced accident and injury attorney who will treat you as an individual.
If you’re in Ohio or Northern Kentucky, we can help with that.
The Richards Firm is not a “roadway billboard” type of law firm. We are deeply rooted in Hamilton and the Greater Cincinnati area. We care deeply about our community, and we exist to make the legal system more accessible to people in need.
When you work with The Richards Firm, you’ll speak directly with Rhys Richards, an experienced personal injury attorney born and raised in Southwestern Ohio. From your first consultation through the entire process, you’ll receive personalized care based on your specific case and needs. We’re happy to accommodate a meeting location that works best for you, whether that’s in our office, at your home, or somewhere in between. We can also meet virtually.
With The Richards Firm, you never have to worry about upfront or hidden fees. You only owe if we win your case. We understand that life after a wrongful death is difficult and reaching out to an attorney can be uncomfortable. That’s why we work extra hard to make as easy as we can.
Contact us today by clicking here or calling us at 513-461-0084.