Court Clarifies Ability of Girlfriend to Claim Death Benefits

An Ohio appellate court ruled that the longtime girlfriend of a deceased construction worker could potentially qualify as a dependent entitled to death benefits. Case: State ex rel. McDonald v. Industrial Commission, No. 20AP-386, 12/21/2021, published. Facts: Christopher R. McDonald worked for J&J Schlaegel Inc. He was killed in a trench collapse in April 2019. At the time of his death, McDonald was engaged to Amanda Carpenter. The two had been in a relationship for 11 years and had two children together. McDonald and Carpenter jointly owned real property, vehicles and shared cre...