Wrongful Death Attorney in Columbus

Clark, Perdue and List represents families who have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, handling wrongful death claims throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. The firm focuses exclusively on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, bringing close to 35 years of concentrated experience to some of the most complex, high-stakes litigation Ohio courts see. When a preventable death leaves a family without answers and facing financial uncertainty, that level of focused experience is not a secondary consideration.

Most general personal injury firms handle wrongful death claims the same way they handle fender-benders — volume first, depth second. Wrongful death litigation in Ohio demands something different: command of medical records, life care planning, economic loss analysis, multi-party liability theory, and a willingness to go to verdict if the insurance company’s offer doesn’t reflect the full scope of the loss.

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Understanding the Challenges of Wrongful Death Claims in Ohio

Wrongful death cases carry a severity that separates them from every other category of personal injury litigation. The harm is permanent and total — a wage earner gone, a parent gone, a lifetime of companionship destroyed. Ohio courts assign economic value to those losses, but quantifying them requires expert-level analysis of projected income, future medical expenses that were cut short, and the documented relationship between the deceased and surviving family members. Without that foundation, families routinely accept settlements that fall far short of what the law actually allows.

The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02 sets that outer boundary for most wrongful death claims. In practice, the effective deadline is much shorter. Physical evidence degrades or disappears within days. Surveillance footage is routinely overwritten on 30-day cycles. Trucking companies are legally required to retain certain electronic logging data, but that protection has limits. Medical facilities can be slow to produce complete records under normal request timelines. The families who preserve the most evidence are almost always the ones whose attorneys sent preservation letters within the first weeks — not the ones who waited to see how the insurance company responded.

Establishing liability in a wrongful death case typically means identifying every party whose conduct contributed to the death. That list is often longer than families expect:

At-fault drivers and vehicle owners in crash-related deaths
Trucking companies and fleet operators in commercial vehicle fatalities
Hospitals, physicians, and nursing staff in medical malpractice wrongful death cases
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities where neglect contributed to death
Medical device manufacturers when a defective product was a contributing cause
Pharmaceutical companies in drug-related wrongful death claims
Property owners in premises liability deaths

Columbus and Central Ohio create specific wrongful death exposure across several corridors. The I-70 and I-71 interchange near downtown Columbus generates some of the state’s heaviest commercial truck traffic, with fatalities occurring at disproportionate rates along that stretch and through the Franklinton and Hilltop neighborhoods to the west. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and OhioHealth systems — both concentrated in Columbus — handle complex cases that, when they go wrong, produce medical malpractice wrongful death claims that require hospital-system-level litigation strategy. Long-term care facilities are distributed throughout Franklin County, from the Short North corridor south to Whitehall and east to Gahanna, and neglect-related deaths in those facilities are among the most underreported wrongful death scenarios in Ohio.

Clark Perdue handles wrongful death cases on a contingency basis — no fees unless there is a recovery.

Protect Your Right to Full Compensation

Ohio law allows surviving family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim, and the two categories work together to capture the full scope of what was lost.

Economic damages include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages the deceased would have earned, and diminished earning capacity calculated over a full projected career. In cases involving a working-age decedent, that economic loss analysis alone can produce substantial figures when applied over decades.

Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering experienced before death, loss of consortium, and the grief and loss of companionship suffered by surviving spouse, children, and parents.

Where the conduct causing death was egregious — a nursing home that ignored documented warning signs, a trucking company that kept a fatigued driver on the road in violation of federal hours-of-service rules, or a hospital that failed to act on clear diagnostic findings — punitive damages may be available. These are designed to punish conduct beyond ordinary negligence.

Insurance policy limits are the ceiling on what many defendants can pay, and early settlement offers are almost always structured to close the claim before a full damages analysis is complete. Accepting an early offer is, in most cases, permanent.

We will serve as your most diligent and dedicated legal advocates. For experienced legal counsel, contact our personal injury law firm online or call us locally at 614-469-1400 or toll free at 800-647-7003 for a free initial consultation.

What Our Clients Say

Real stories from people we’ve helped after serious injuries.

4.8

Laura H.

When our mother was hospitalized for an accident, we were unprepared for the turn of events which would befall our family. Following her hospitalization, a series of negligent acts by the hospital staff, unrelated to her accident, led to our mother’s quickly declining health. Due to the mounting medical expenses, we sought legal assistance. Several attorneys had been recommended to us, including Andy List. We felt very fortunate that Andy chose to help us. He assembled a team of experts for our case.
Since we had not experienced it before, navigating the legal process was initially very intimidating for us. Andy patiently listened to our concerns and offered the time and consideration needed to understand our situation. Throughout the process, he explained the legal system in a way that was understandable to us. Although our mother’s medical situation was stressful, Andy guided us and treated us with kindness and dignity.
Thanks to Andy and his team, the legal outcome was in our favor. Our family is so grateful. Our mother continues to recover and the financial burden has been lifted. Andy renewed our faith that the legal system can be fair and equitable. I highly recommend Andy and his team to anyone needing legal assistance.

-Laura H.

Vern J.

Today is a gift…largely due to Andy List and his team. After a sequence of errors was made by the hospital, which resulted in a stroke, I sustained ongoing physical and cognitive deficits. These deficits required months of hospitalization, followed by ongoing therapy. As we started to receive medical bills from the hospital, we questioned the hospital regarding their error. The hospital denied any responsibility for their multiple errors. We knew how difficult and intimidating it was to challenge such a large medical institution, so we began to search for law firms. Andy List came highly recommended. We are so fortunate and grateful to have Andy List and his colleagues represent us. Andy and his team have a true compassion for their clients. They are incredibly knowledgeable, communicative and efficient. Thanks to Andy and his team we received a significant settlement, which absolutely would not have happened without them. I would highly recommend Andy List and his colleagues to anyone who is in a medical malpractice situation.
-Mary Anne and Vern J.

Barbara List L.

Our son suffers substantial disabilities, and his condition has resulted in discrimination. We were pleased to consult with Clark, Perdue & List on the complex issues that impact our son's quality of life and his ability to contribute to the community. The attorneys are professional, knowledgable, and willing to answer our many questions, address our concerns, and help us navigate a very challenging path. I will be seeking their counsel in the future.

stacy B.

Wonderful experience. Professional, caring, and top notch firm.

Jasmine B.

I was involved in a head on collision on the day of my 19th birthday and my high school graduation. When someone first brought up getting a lawyer I was very hesitant, but after working with Julie and Andrew all my nerves went away. They heard everything I had to say, and if I ever had any questions, big or little they would answer them for me. They care deeply about the individuals they are representing. I would recommend them to anyone!

Sarah A.

After the loss of my father, my mother faced numerous long-term care issues. The lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List helped us through the process. They were efficient and thorough in helping us navigate issues and situations we had never previously encountered. I highly recommend the lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List.

Jamie H.

I have been associated with this wonderful firm for several years and I cannot express enough the wonderful service we received. The cases were painful at best, but the passion and compassion shown by this firm is over the top. They care about you as a client; they care about your case; they care about the outcome; and they care about your involvement in the case. One of the most important things I have found is they keep you informed and always have the time to speak with you regarding the case. Thanks for the wonderful representation over the years.

Dorothy C.

I have known the members of the Law Firm for over 15 years.
Years ago, my elderly mother-in-law needed legal advice when she felt she had not been properly treated in a medical sense. The family wasn't sure what to do to resolve this matter.
It was then that I met with Andy List, who gave us the guidance we desperately needed, which in turn, helped to put our emotions in perspective.
The matter was resolved in a positive manner, which makes me suggest Clark, Perdue &List to others in need of proper and thorough legal assistance. I still keep in touch with them to this day, for they are very true to what they advertise to be; and will always be respected by our family.

Shelly H.

Back in 1989 I was involved in a life threatening auto accident while on my way to school. While I was still in the hospital, my parents met with Dale Perdue and hired his law firm to take my case. Mr. Perdue and the rest of his staff were so helpful to me, as well as, my family during this difficult time. They guided us through the process and were always happy to help us with any questions or concerns. In 2011, my husband was in a life threatening auto accident. While I was sitting in the hospital wondering what to do, I thought, “Call Dale”. Within a few hours, he was sitting by my side. Once again, he walked me and my husband through another very difficult time. Dale, Pam, and the rest of his staff have been a very big part of my life and have always felt like an extended part of my family. I have recommended Dale and his staff to friends through the years and will continue to do so.

Don F.

It was with some reluctance that I began the process of considering the pursuit of a wrongful death claim against a pharmaceutical company on behalf of my Mother's estate. I was not sure how to proceed. Thus I began the process of looking at various web sites for various legal firms, and followed that with several phone calls. When I called Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA I was treaded with a kindness, courtesy, and professionalism that seemed to be a cut above the rest. Linda, the Paralegal I most frequently communicated with had exceptional legal knowledge and skill. She had the ability to explain in an extremely clear manner the answers to all my many questions. The staff was very thorough in obtaining all the records and information needed to support the claim.
The lawyer I dealt with, Andrew List, certainly went above and beyond the call of duty in effort and completion of meeting all the requirements and deadlines the court placed on this type of claim. I was frequently updated regarding the process of the case.
Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA far exceeded my expectations in bringing to a successful closure this case. It is with great confidence and respect that I would highly recommend this legal firm.

Diane S.

When my mother fell and broke her shoulder a few years ago, my sister and I entrusted her rehabilitation to a local nursing home. Unfortunately, one of the employees at the facility was negligent in my mother’s care and caused further injury to her shoulder, causing her to return to the hospital for further surgery. When I learned that an investigator from the Attorney General’s office recommended that criminal charges be pressed against the individual, I knew that I also needed to pursue the matter civilly to ensure that my mother was compensated for the injuries caused by that negligent employee. A friend of mine recommended Andy List, and from my first telephone conference with him, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Andy took care of everything to prepare this case for a potential trial against the individual and the facility, and then acted as a skillful negotiator in obtaining a favorable settlement for my mother. I am forever grateful to Andy and his assistant Linda for helping our family through this very difficult time.

Request Your Free Wrongful Death Case Evaluation

Families in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio can request a case review at no cost and with no obligation. The firm is prepared to evaluate the circumstances of the death, identify liable parties, and explain what a full damages analysis would look like for this specific case. There are no attorney fees unless there is a recovery — that commitment applies from the first conversation through resolution.

Handling Highly Complex Claims

Wrongful death litigation frequently involves multiple defendants, overlapping regulatory frameworks — federal trucking regulations, state medical licensing standards, CMS nursing home requirements — and insurance carriers with aggressive in-house defense teams. The firm does not dilute its attention with minor claims; every active matter receives the full weight of close to 35 years of concentrated practice.

Work Directly with an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

In the days immediately following a wrongful death, the decisions a family makes — what to say to insurance adjusters, what documents to request, whether to preserve a vehicle or medical device — can determine the entire trajectory of a case. Direct access to the lead attorney from day one is not a convenience; it is a structural advantage. Families working with Clark Perdue speak with the attorney handling their matter, not a case manager rotating through a file queue.

The firm serves Columbus, Franklin County, and communities throughout Ohio. For cases involving catastrophic circumstances, the practice extends to surrounding states and nationally where the facts require it. Consultations are available by phone or in person, and the firm works exclusively on contingency — no fees unless there is a recovery.

Recognized by the Legal Community

Clark, Perdue and List is listed in Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 years, recognized by Super Lawyers, and included in Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. Physicians refer cases here — a different kind of credibility than advertising provides.

How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help You?

Families facing a wrongful death claim are simultaneously managing grief, financial disruption, and a legal process they have almost certainly never encountered before. Having an experienced attorney in place early changes the outcome in four specific ways.

Evidence Preservation. Spoliation letters and litigation holds go out immediately to every party in the chain of custody for relevant records. In a medical malpractice wrongful death case, that means complete medical records, nursing notes, pharmacy dispensing records, and any internal incident reports filed by the facility — documents that can be altered, summarized, or selectively produced under routine records requests. In a truck accident wrongful death, it means electronic logging device data, black box event data, dispatch records, and driver qualification files. These records do not wait.

Liability Investigation. Document review, expert analysis, and — where applicable — accident reconstruction require the actual evidence. Retained experts reviewing a crash scene six months later are working with less than retained experts reviewing it in the first weeks. The same principle applies to medical experts analyzing the clinical timeline in a malpractice death: the closer to the event, the more complete the picture. You can read more about common medical mistakes in Columbus hospitals and how those claims work to understand how liability is typically established in hospital-related deaths.

Damages Quantification. A life care plan, an economic analysis of lost income projected forward, and a documented account of the deceased’s relationship with surviving family members are what determine settlement leverage. Insurers know exactly what a claim is worth when it is fully built. The goal is to make sure the family’s attorney knows it first.

Negotiation and Litigation. Defense counsel in wrongful death cases are experienced, well-funded, and motivated to minimize exposure. The firm negotiates from a position of full case development and a genuine willingness to take a case to verdict in Ohio courts. Venue strategy matters — filing in Columbus or other Franklin County venues often produces more favorable conditions than rural Ohio courts for complex medical and commercial litigation.

Ohio’s modified comparative fault rule applies in wrongful death cases: if the deceased is found partially at fault, damages are reduced proportionally. If fault attributed to the decedent exceeds 50%, recovery is barred. Understanding how that analysis applies to the specific facts — and framing liability correctly from the outset — is one of the most consequential strategic decisions in any wrongful death claim. Families considering a truck accident wrongful death claim in Columbus should also understand how federal trucking regulations layer onto Ohio’s comparative fault framework.

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Why Choose Clark, Perdue and List?

High-volume firms advertising on Columbus television and radio operate on a volume model — hundreds of open files, tiered staffing, and settlement targets that prioritize throughput. That model has its place for minor claims. Wrongful death litigation is not where it belongs.

The firm carries a maximum of 15 active cases at any time. That constraint is deliberate. It means every wrongful death file receives sustained attention from the attorney of record, not periodic reviews between other matters. With close to 35 years of practice focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, the depth of knowledge brought to each case is not replicated by generalist volume practices.

Physicians refer cases here. That referral pattern reflects a specific kind of confidence — the medical community’s judgment about who they trust when a clinical outcome becomes a legal matter. That credibility does not come from a billboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a loved one's wrongful death in Columbus?

Contact an attorney before speaking at length with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Adjusters are trained to gather information that limits liability, and statements made in the early days of grief can be used to reduce or deny a claim. Preserve any physical evidence — a vehicle, a medical device, medications — and request complete records from any healthcare facility involved. The sooner a preservation letter goes out, the more complete the evidentiary record will be.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Ohio?

Ohio law sets a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death for most wrongful death claims. That outer deadline, however, is not the same as the practical deadline for building a strong case. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and electronic records are overwritten on routine cycles. Waiting until the final months of the limitation period almost always means working with an incomplete record. Early action protects both the claim and the evidence.

Does Clark Perdue handle wrongful death cases in Columbus and Central Ohio?

The firm handles wrongful death cases throughout Columbus, Franklin County, and Central Ohio, with filings concentrated in Columbus given the legal environment and the complexity of the cases pursued. For cases involving medical malpractice or hospital-system liability, Columbus and Ohio’s other major urban courts offer strategic advantages. Cases involving catastrophic circumstances are also accepted in surrounding states and nationally where the facts warrant.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, acting on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries. Those beneficiaries typically include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. The damages recovered are distributed to the beneficiaries based on the loss each has suffered — not divided equally by default. Understanding who qualifies and how damages are allocated is part of the initial case evaluation.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

Clark Perdue handles wrongful death cases on a pure contingency basis. There are no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no costs billed to the family during the case. Fees are collected only if there is a recovery. That structure means the firm’s financial interests and the family’s financial interests are aligned from the first consultation through resolution.

What makes wrongful death cases more complicated than a standard personal injury claim?

Several factors compound the complexity. The claimant cannot testify to their own experience, which means the entire evidentiary record must be built from external sources — medical records, witness accounts, expert analysis, and documentation of the deceased’s relationship with surviving family members. Multiple defendants are common, each with separate counsel and separate defenses. Damages must be projected forward over a lifetime the decedent no longer has, requiring expert economic testimony. And Ohio’s modified comparative fault framework means liability must be framed carefully to prevent improper attribution of fault to the deceased. For cases involving Ohio’s medical malpractice statute of limitations or nursing home neglect, additional procedural requirements apply that can affect when and how a claim is filed. Families who suspect warning signs of elder neglect contributed to a death should document those observations from the outset.

Taking the Next Step for Your Family

Families in Columbus, Franklin County, and throughout Central Ohio who have lost a loved one to another party’s negligence can reach Clark Perdue for a free initial consultation. The attorney handling the case is the attorney available to speak with directly. Call locally at 614-469-1400, toll free at 800-647-7003, or contact the firm online to request a case review. No fees unless there is a recovery.