Wrongful death lawsuits in Ohio arise when someone is killed because of a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity. These lawsuits allow the decedent’s family members to seek compensation for their losses. Some common causes of wrongful death lawsuits in Ohio include:
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a frequent basis for wrongful death claims in Ohio. If a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider acts negligently and their actions result in a patient’s death, the patient’s family can file a lawsuit. Some examples of medical malpractice that may lead to a wrongful death suit are surgical errors, medication errors, failure to diagnose a serious condition, lack of informed consent, and delay in treatment. The plaintiffs must show the healthcare provider owed a duty of care to the patient, breached that duty and the breach caused the death.
Automobile Accidents
Car accidents are another major source of wrongful death claims in the state. When a driver operates their vehicle negligently or recklessly and causes a fatal crash, survivors of the deceased victim can bring a lawsuit seeking compensation. Common negligent actions in these cases include distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, speeding, and disregarding traffic signals or signs. The plaintiffs must prove the at-fault driver’s negligence directly led to the death.
Defective Products
If a defective product causes a person’s death, the manufacturer or supplier of that product may be liable. Some examples of defective products that lead to wrongful death suits in Ohio are faulty auto parts, dangerous children’s toys, faulty medical devices, and contaminated food products. The plaintiffs must demonstrate the product had a defect, the defect made the product unreasonably dangerous, and it caused the decedent’s death.
Workplace Accidents
Employers have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe work environment under Ohio law. If an employer’s intentional or negligent conduct results in the wrongful death of an employee, the employee’s family can sue for damages. Common causes of workplace wrongful death claims include lack of safety procedures, failure to provide safety equipment, defective equipment, and dangerous premises. Plaintiffs must show the employer’s breach of duty caused the worker’s death.
Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Nursing homes must provide adequate supervision and medical care to their residents. If negligent care, abuse, or neglect by a nursing home leads to a resident’s death, the resident’s loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death suit. Frequent issues that cause liability include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, infections, medication errors, and wandering residents. Plaintiffs must prove the nursing home staff deviated from the standard of care and it resulted in death.
Wrongful death lawsuits in Ohio often arise from car accidents, medical mistakes, dangerous products, workplace hazards, and nursing home neglect. By establishing negligence or recklessness that caused a wrongful death, families can hold accountable those responsible and seek compensation for their devastating losses.
Proving liability requires experienced legal representation, which is why you must contact one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys. Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 to find out where you stand. We have offices in 32 locations across 19 states, including Ohio, Utah, and Kansas.