Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence? Our Ohio Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
If your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
If your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Experienced Representation in Ohio Wrongful Death Cases
We handle wrongful death cases involving:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian or bicycle fatalities
- Medical malpractice or surgical errors
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Fatal worksite or construction accidents
- Defective or dangerous products
- Unsafe property conditions (falls, fires, or explosions)
- Criminal acts such as assault, abuse, or homicide
Why Ohioans Turn to Slater & Zurz’s Wrongful Death Lawyers
For over 30 years, our Ohio wrongful death lawyers have recovered millions for clients across the state, helping them move forward after some of life’s most difficult moments.
- Talk directly to wrongful death lawyers who care
- Pay nothing unless we win
- 6 offices across Ohio
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?
No amount of money can replace a life, but a wrongful death lawsuit can ease the financial burden and bring justice to your family. Under Ohio law, damages may include:
- Economic losses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s future earnings
- Loss of services the deceased provided (childcare, household support)
- Loss of future inheritance
- Non-economic losses
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional anguish
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of consortium (spousal or parental relationships)
- Punitive damages (in rare cases): If the death resulted from egregious misconduct or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?
Wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, usually named in the will or appointed by the court. While the representative files the claim, the damages are awarded to the surviving family members, including:
- Spouse
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents
- Other relatives, if they can show they were financially dependent on the deceased
While working alone at a laser-cutting company, a man became trapped inside a steel-cutting machine and suffocated. The tragedy left behind a grieving widow, who turned to Slater & Zurz to pursue a wrongful death claim.
The insurance company denied full responsibility, arguing that the victim knowingly bypassed safety protocols. But through a detailed investigation, our team uncovered evidence that coworkers had shown him how to disable the machine’s safety mechanisms.
The case went to trial in Portage County, where a jury awarded a $3,000,000 verdict, including $1,000,000 in punitive damages.
What Must Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case?
To bring a successful claim, you must show that:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to act safely or reasonably
- That duty was breached through negligence, recklessness, or an intentional act
- The breach directly caused the death
- The surviving family suffered damages as a result
We’ll work with investigators, medical experts, and financial analysts to build a strong case and uncover what really happened.
We know you’re hurting, and the last thing you need is to be bounced around. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced attorneys.
From day one, we’ll gather medical records, file the proper reports, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. In other words, you focus on getting better, and we’ll handle the fight.
We've recovered millions for injury victims across Ohio. We don’t stop at quick settlements; instead, we push for full accountability and compensation that reflects what you’ve really lost.
No upfront fees means there’s zero risk to get started.