Wrongful Death in Ohio
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct can be devastating. In the state of Ohio, there are laws in place that allow family members of the deceased to pursue compensation for losses caused by wrongful death. Here you'll learn about what kinds of damages are available to seek and how to go about filing a wrongful death claim in Ohio.
How Wrongful Death Damages Are Calculated
In Ohio, compensatory damages for wrongful death are based on the types of losses suffered due to the death. These include economic losses, such as funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses related to the decedent’s injuries prior to death, and lost wages or benefits of the decedent. They also include non-economic losses related to pain and suffering or loss of companionship. Generally, family members can pursue monetary damages for whichever type of loss is most applicable in their case.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages Claims
In wrongful death cases in Ohio, the damages might be awarded for pain and suffering, funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred as a result of the decedent’s illness or injury prior to their death, lost wages from the time of death until trial, loss of companionship and society, punitive damages if appropriate, and other losses depending on the specifics of the case.
What Losses Can Be Claimed?
Generally speaking, the family of a decedent in Ohio may be able to claim economic compensatory damages for lost wages or medical and funeral expenses incurred. In addition, non-economic compensatory damages may also be available, including damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship and society, and punitive damages if warranted due to reckless or intentional misconduct. We can help Ohioans who call 888-200-9824.
Punitive Damages in Ohio Wrongful Death Cases
Punitive damages are available in Ohio wrongful death cases if it is found that the death was a result of intentional misconduct or extremely reckless behavior. For example, punitive damages may be granted when a defendant’s actions have been so outrageous and egregious that society needs to be discouraged from similar conduct in order to protect public safety. Punitive damages are not intended as financial relief for the decedent’s family, but rather as a means of punishing and deterring the wrongdoer. You can reach our law firm for help at (614) 221-9800.
Additional Compensation for an Ohio Wrongful Death
Other forms of compensation may be available to compensate a family for the wrongful death of a loved one in Ohio. The court may award loss of support, meaning monetary damages for the financial support the decedent would have provided had they lived, such as medical expenses and funeral costs. Loss of companionship may also be available to those close to the decedent, including spouses and children, who no longer share tangible moments with the deceased. To learn about how our Ohio lawyers can help, call us at 888-200-9824.