Each state has different laws relating to the division of wrongful death settlements and verdicts. Ohio law attempts to divide them as fairly as possible based on the degree of damages suffered by each beneficiary. In most cases, damages are primarily given to the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, and parents. Typically, the deceased’s siblings are not included. If others believe they are entitled to a portion of the settlement, they will need to make a claim and prove how and what they suffered. The court will make a determination based on their degree of relationship to the deceased, their financial dependence on the decedent, and to what degree of loss they suffered.