What are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Ohio?

January 9, 2024 | Wrongful Death

At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus personal injury lawyers know that wrongful death claims in Ohio stem from a death resulting from the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another party that would have allowed the deceased person to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lack of negligence resulting in death in The Buckeye State.

Here, we discuss some of the most common causes of wrongful death in Ohio and how we can help family members pursue the liable party for their tragic losses.

The Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in Ohio

Ohio wrongful death cases typically involve a sense of injustice — the belief that the death could have been avoided if not for the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Our Columbus wrongful death attorneys understand that these losses are deeply personal and can have a profound impact on the emotional well-being of the surviving family members.

Unfortunately, wrongful death cases in Ohio are not uncommon and can arise from various circumstances, including:

• Car Accidents

Fatalities resulting from car accidents caused by factors like reckless driving, impaired driving, or negligence occur often throughout Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the state averages 1,123 traffic fatalities yearly.

While not all fatal vehicle collisions in the state are the result of negligence, over half — 571 fatalities last year alone — were caused by drivers who were operating a vehicle impaired.

• Product Liability

Defective products, defective or dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, or products with inadequate warnings can lead to fatal accidents where manufacturers, distributors, and sellers may be held liable.

Our law firm founder and lead attorney, Jami S. Oliver, was voted 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus, OH, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers in America.

• Dangerous Premises

Fatal accidents occurring on poorly maintained or unsafe premises may result in wrongful death claims against property owners or managers. This includes deaths due to drowning, slip and fall accidents, negligent security, or other incidents on public, private, or government property.

• Construction Accidents

Fatalities in construction accidents, including falls, machinery accidents, or structural failures, can result in wrongful death claims filed by workers and the general public’s families based on the circumstances of the accident.

• Medical Malpractice

Wrongful death claims may arise from medical errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or other forms of medical negligence.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, medical malpractice-related deaths are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with over 250,000 deaths each year.

Jami S. Oliver was named Best Lawyers 2024 in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers in America. Her experience and skill in this area gives families the legal experience to pursue these critical claims and produce results.

Contact Our Skilled Wrongful Death Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, for Help Today

At Oliver Law Office, our experienced Columbus wrongful lawyers know the emotional trauma associated with the sudden and often preventable death of a loved one is immense.

In addition to the emotional toll, the death of a family member can have significant financial consequences. Filing a wrongful death claim can help seek compensation for the economic losses suffered by the survivors, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of the deceased person’s income.

Pursuing a legal claim is just one way for the surviving family members to seek justice for their loved ones. We can help provide a sense of closure for the grieving family by holding the responsible party accountable.

Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing each client’s individualized needs with personalized attention. We handle every case with confidence, courage, and determination. Please call us at (614)-220-9100 or fill out a Contact Us form so we can be in touch as soon as possible – let’s get started on your claim today.