Families whose loved ones have died after a preventable accident can find themselves in an emotional and financial crisis. A Toledo wrongful death lawyer knows how Ohio law can apply to deaths caused by negligence or other wrongdoing.
The basis for a wrongful death claim can include motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, and hazardous conditions on property. Rumizen Weisman Attorneys can provide information to Toledo area families who want to know their legal options after the sudden death of a loved one.
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Rumizen Weisman Attorneys works with families in Toledo and across Northwest Ohio who are coping with the loss of a loved one caused by negligence. Scott Rumizen personally manages wrongful death cases and remains involved throughout the legal process, instead of delegating client communication to intake departments.
The firm evaluates accident evidence, reviews liability issues, and provides steadfast representation in wrongful death claims. Rumizen Weisman Attorneys offers direct attorney guidance for families seeking answers after a wrongful death.
Fatal accidents that can give rise to wrongful death claims happen in a variety of ways throughout the Toledo area. Wrongful death claims may stem from dangerous property conditions, industrial accidents, or other negligent circumstances. Where a preventable event causes a fatality, Ohio law may provide a remedy for certain family members.
Another common cause is traffic collisions. This is especially true along heavily traveled corridors, such as I-75, I-280, and U.S. 24. In 2025, there were 11,357 vehicles involved in fatal and non-fatal crashes with large trucks in Ohio, indicating how collisions with commercial vehicles can create hazardous conditions for others on the road.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02, an action shall be brought by the personal representative of the decedent‘s estate. The claim is filed by the estate, but the cause of action may be asserted on behalf of a spouse, child, or parent.
A wrongful death claim is meant to compensate family members for their losses following the death of a loved one. During the case, the court can determine whether the incident that resulted in the death was caused by negligence, misconduct, or unsafe conditions under Ohio wrongful death laws.
Compensation in an Ohio wrongful death claim may cover several types of losses. These may encompass:
Courts may also consider the overall impact a death has had on the surviving family when considering how to apply the Ohio wrongful death statutes.
Deaths resulting from preventable medical errors may also lead to wrongful death claims. Medical providers have an obligation to adhere to certain standards of care when diagnosing an illness, prescribing medication, or performing a procedure.
Failing to meet those standards may result in medical malpractice if a patient dies. Fatalities may stem from circumstances such as misdiagnosis, surgical complications, inappropriate treatment, or medication errors.
Wrongful death cases will often require a thorough review of medical records and the testimony of professionals to determine if care was administered properly. The Ohio Department of Insurance closed 1,839 medical professional liability claims in Ohio during 2023.
A wrongful death claim is a civil claim based on monetary damages incurred by the surviving family members. In contrast, a criminal case is prosecuted by the state for an act that violates criminal law. Both a civil and a criminal case may be filed after a fatal event. A wrongful death case in Ohio examines whether negligence or wrongdoing had a role in the death.
Wrongful death cases related to accidents and other events in Toledo are generally filed in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. This is the state court that hears large civil cases brought in the county. The Lucas County Court of Common Pleas considers claims arising from fatal accidents, medical malpractice, and other events that lead to wrongful death. The process of filing a claim generally involves the preparation of legal documents.
Filing a wrongful death claim in Toledo does not always mean going to court. In fact, many cases are resolved through settlement discussions after both sides review the evidence and liability issues. This involves looking over records, accident reports, and financial losses that occurred due to the death. When both parties do not come to an agreement, the claim will go through the Lucas County court system.
The damages you can claim in a Toledo wrongful death case include economic, non-economic, and, rarely, punitive damages. Economic damages encompass all the losses that have a fixed value, such as medical bills and funeral costs. Non-economic damages are unquantifiable losses, such as grief and loss of companionship. Punitive damages are only possible if the negligent party also acted with unusual recklessness or outright malice.
The sudden loss of a loved one can leave family members reeling. In addition to grieving, they often have questions and concerns about what comes next. When a death is caused by someone’s negligence or another avoidable act, Ohio law allows families to file a wrongful death claim. This action can be an important part of the legal process for addressing the losses they suffered.
Rumizen Weisman Attorneys represents families in Toledo who want to pursue compensation following the loss of a loved one. The firm works with individuals seeking information about how Ohio wrongful death laws may apply to their circumstances. Schedule a consultation to hire a wrongful death lawyer today.
216-658-5500 Call Us Today