Losing a loved one suddenly will completely change your life. You will have grief to process over your unexpected loss. The suddenness of a car crash or a death related to a defective product can make the grief even harder to handle.
People may have left things unsaid that haunt them for years. They will likely struggle with denial, which is an early stage in the grieving process where the brain has a hard time acknowledging the sudden change. They may experience profound depression and struggle with taking care of themselves and their families.
The grief they experience might also prevent them from eventually securing justice.
Ohio families have rights after a tragic loss
In Ohio, those directly affected by a tragic fatality can make a civil claim in court against the responsible party. Wrongful death lawsuits brought by the executor of someone’s estate can benefit their surviving dependent family members, like spouses and children.
A wrongful death lawsuit can compensate the loved ones of someone who dies because of the misconduct or negligence of a person or business. However, families have to take action relatively quickly or lose their rights. Under Ohio’s statute of limitations, filing a wrongful death lawsuit must typically occur within two years of the date of death or the family members may lose their right to ask for compensation.
The grieving process can often take years or longer, so putting off the filing until you feel at peace with your loss could be a big mistake. Learning about the rules that apply to Ohio wrongful death claims can help your family get the compensation and justice necessary after a tragedy.