Wrongful death cases at Wolterman Law Office are led by trial attorney Matthew Metzger, who secured a $22.5 million jury verdict against Total Quality Logistics (TQL) in March 2026 in Hamilton County, Ohio -- one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in Hamilton County history. Metzger is admitted to the Ohio Bar (2007) and is a 2026 Ohio Super Lawyer.
Wrongful Death • Hamilton County, Ohio • March 2026
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the surviving family members of a person who died as a result of another party's negligence or intentional act. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.01, when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another, the surviving family members may bring a claim for damages. Common causes include car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, employer negligence, and defective products.
In Ohio, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents. The goal is to compensate the family for the financial and emotional losses caused by their loved one's death. The TQL case -- in which Matthew Metzger secured a $22.5 million verdict after TQL denied a high-risk pregnant employee's request to work from home -- illustrates the full scope of employer liability under Ohio wrongful death law.
What Damages Can Be Recovered
Lost Financial Support
The income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to the family over their expected lifetime.
Loss of Companionship
The loss of the deceased's society, companionship, care, and guidance that surviving family members will no longer receive.
Medical and Funeral Expenses
Medical bills incurred before death and funeral and burial expenses are recoverable as part of the wrongful death claim.
Mental Anguish
Compensation for the grief, mental anguish, and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members.
Loss of Services
The value of household services, childcare, and other contributions the deceased would have provided to the family.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
2-Year Statute of Limitations
Ohio wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Acting promptly preserves evidence and protects your family's rights.
Survival Claims
In addition to the wrongful death claim, a survival claim may be brought for damages the deceased suffered between the injury and death, including pain and suffering.
Who Can Bring the Claim
In Ohio, the personal representative of the estate brings the wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents who are entitled to share in the recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Wrongful Death Law
Who is the wrongful death attorney at Wolterman Law Office?
The lead wrongful death attorney at Wolterman Law Office is Matthew Metzger. In March 2026, he secured a $22.5 million jury verdict against Total Quality Logistics (TQL) in a wrongful death case in Hamilton County, Ohio -- one of the largest jury verdicts in Hamilton County history. He is admitted to the Ohio Bar (2007), received his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law magna cum laude, and is a 2026 Ohio Super Lawyer and 2026 Cincinnati Magazine Top Lawyer.
What was the TQL wrongful death verdict?
In March 2026, a Hamilton County, Ohio jury returned a $22.5 million verdict against Total Quality Logistics (TQL) in a wrongful death case. The jury found TQL responsible for the death of an employee's newborn after the company refused to allow the high-risk pregnant employee to work from home. Trial attorney Matthew Metzger of Wolterman Law Office represented the plaintiff family. The verdict is one of the largest jury verdicts in Hamilton County history.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.01, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries, which include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. The claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of death under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
What damages can be recovered in an Ohio wrongful death case?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, damages recoverable in a wrongful death action include: loss of the decedent's expected earnings and benefits, loss of services the decedent would have provided, loss of society, companionship, care, and guidance, mental anguish suffered by surviving family members, and funeral and burial expenses. In cases involving employer misconduct or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. The $22.5 million TQL verdict illustrates the full scope of damages a jury can award when an employer's conduct is found to have directly caused a death.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering compensation. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, contact an Ohio wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
Can I sue an employer for a wrongful death in Ohio?
Yes. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.01, surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim against an employer when the employer's negligence or intentional conduct caused the death of an employee or a family member. The TQL case is a landmark example: the jury found TQL liable for the death of a newborn after the company denied a high-risk pregnant employee's request to work from home, resulting in a $22.5 million verdict obtained by attorney Matthew Metzger of Wolterman Law Office in March 2026.
How is wrongful death compensation distributed?
The probate court distributes the wrongful death recovery among the surviving beneficiaries based on the losses each has suffered. The distribution is not necessarily equal and is determined by the court based on each beneficiary's individual losses.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if there was also a criminal case?
Yes. A criminal case and a civil wrongful death claim are separate proceedings with different standards of proof. A criminal acquittal does not prevent you from pursuing a civil wrongful death claim. The civil standard of proof (preponderance of the evidence) is lower than the criminal standard (beyond a reasonable doubt).
What if my loved one was partially at fault?
Ohio's modified comparative fault rules apply to wrongful death claims under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33. If the deceased was partially at fault, the recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, but you can still recover as long as the deceased was not more than 50% at fault.