Losing a loved one in an accident leaves an enormous hole in your life. Trying to handle the financial impacts of their death makes grief that much harder as you try to put things back together, which is why Ohio law allows you to pursue damages in certain circumstances. 

According to the wrongful death attorneys at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co., you may have a case if your situation meets certain requirements.

• First, your loved one's death must have been caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person, creating a situation which would have allowed your family member to seek damages if they had survived. In a sense, a wrongful death case is a personal injury suit in which the injured party is no longer able to file.
• In Ohio, only the “personal representative” of the deceased can file a claim, which is generally understood to mean surviving children, spouses, or parents. However, if other family members can demonstrate that they suffered a financial loss.
• Generally, a wrongful death suit must be filed within two years of a person's death. However, there are a lot of factors that affect the statute of limitations, so consult with an attorney if you're not sure.
• Wrongful death lawsuits can include damages for a wide variety of damages, including loss of social, material, and emotional support.

If you think you may have a case, visit Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. online, or just call (513) 867-1411 to schedule a consultation today.