Sometimes people lose their lives because of another’s mistakes. More often than not, this occurs when a person forgets their duty to keep others safe, leading them to make rash decisions or forget to warn others about hazardous areas on their property. In Ohio, this often happens because of accidents on the road involving motor vehicles. Whether a death results from an accident or a murder, the deceased’s loved ones can file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation.
Common causes of wrongful death
Wrongful death claims apply when a person’s negligence or wrongful acts lead to the death of another. This means that death claims are not limited to deliberate acts of violence. They also apply to deaths caused by accidents at the workplace. The most common causes of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice: Critical mistakes of health care providers that have fatal outcomes, especially with medication and surgery
- Workplace accidents: Accidents caused by hazardous conditions, chemicals and other dangerous substances are often fatal
- Defective products: Defective or poorly designed products can kill unsuspecting people
- Premises liability: Incidents that happen in another person’s unsecure and unsafe property, which often lead to fatal slip and fall accidents
- Auto accidents: Drivers who neglect their duty to keep other people safe, typically by driving aggressively or under the influence, often cause fatal collisions
- Criminal activity: Violent acts such as murder require intent to kill or cause serious harm, meaning a murdered person is eligible for a wrongful death claim
When it comes to wrongful death claims, evidence is incredibly important. In Ohio, people typically have two years after the date of someone’s passing to file a wrongful death claim, ensuring that evidence is gathered in a timely manner.
Navigating wrongful death claims in Ohio
Laws concerning wrongful death claims in Ohio exist to help spouses, children and parents seek damages for the loss of support, services and companionship. Losing a loved one due to the negligence of others has lasting financial and emotional consequences, especially if the deceased was a caregiver or a parent.