Overview of Ohio Wrongful Death Law

An Ohio wrongful death lawsuit asserts that the victim was killed as a result of the negligence (or other liability) of the defendant, and that the victim’s immediate family and any other dependents are entitled to monetary damages, based on the defendant's conduct.

To bring an Ohio wrongful death action, the death must have been caused by the wrongful, negligent, careless, or reckless act of a person, company, or municipality.

Under the previous "common law,” this type of claim did not exist.  The courts reasoned that the legal claim “died” with the victim.  Thus, surviving family members could not claim damages from the person who caused the victim's death.

To correct this injustice, individual states passed their own "wrongful death statutes."  Today, every state has some form of wrongful death statute, but these state laws differ.

The following information is based on Ohio wrongful death law.  If you have questions about a potential wrongful death claim, it is very important to consult with an personal injury attorney in your own state and in the state where the fatal injury occurred.

If a loved one lost his or her life in an accident that may have been caused by the fault of another person, product, doctor, hospital or company, talk with a dedicated Ohio wrongful death lawyer.  Submit a simple, free and confidential legal consultation form today.

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