Enduring an accident that has brought about the demise of a loved one is difficult enough. But not knowing what your options are adds even more stress to the situation. The fact is that in some circumstances, a person’s surviving loved ones may be able to receive compensation through a wrongful death suit. 

Built upon a foundation of honesty and integrity, the law firm of Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. has a team of reputable wrongful death attorneys and probate lawyers ready to help you navigate the complexities of the law. Their attorneys have a 90-year track record of helping clients when it matters the most.

If you have lost a loved one, a wrongful death claim may be available to help you recover from the loss you have suffered. A wrongful death claim exists when a death occurs that is considered the legal fault of another person. When this happens, the decedent’s surviving loved ones may be able to sue for damages by “stepping into the shoes” of the injured party. But, knowing who can step into these “shoes” is one of the ways a wrongful death attorney can help survivors.

In nearly every state, immediate family members such as spouses and children, or parents of unmarried children, can advance a suit for wrongful death damages. However, Ohio law is rather peculiar in that only a “personal representative” of the deceased person may actually bring the suit, while the parties mentioned above can still remain as beneficiaries of the suit.

A personal representative is usually appointed by an Ohio court and under Ohio law is charged with resolving the decedent's estate and advancing any negligence and/or wrongful death claims assumed by the beneficiaries. Consequently, this is the same person entitled to hire a wrongful death attorney.

True to this form, the claim itself will argue for the compensation sought by family members. Aside from the claims of spouses, children and parents, Ohio law does allow for other persons to be beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim. Circumstances where this is the case is usually brought about when grandparents, guardians or siblings prove that they are entitled to recover damages because they have suffered a compensable loss.

If you are facing a situation where you think you might be entitled to advance a wrongful death claim or become a claim beneficiary, call Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. at (513) 867-1411, or visit them online, and one of their attorneys will be happy to assess your situation.