Ohio State University Hospital v. Kinkaid

The issue before us is whether a wife is liable for the payment of hospital or medical expenses incurred by her husband before his death when, at the husband’s death, his assets are insufficient to pay such expenses.

R.C. 3103.03 provides, in relevant part, that “[t]he husband must support himself, his wife, and his minor children out of his property or by his labor. If he is unable to do so, the wife must assist him so far as she is able. * * *” (Emphasis added.)

Appellant contends that the General Assembly, by enacting R.C. 3103.03, has imposed a duty upon a wife to assist in the support of…