I paid a contractor/owner money on a contract for job that was never completed because he passed away in a motorcycle accident.. I've contacted the family about getting the money reimbursed but they don't seem too interested in getting the situation resolved in getting my money back...
Ohio has strict requirements when it comes to suing an estate (an estate is a deceased person's remaining assets). All claims against the estate must be made within 6 months of the decedent passing away. See R.C. 2711.06.
Your best bet to recover is filing a lawsuit against the estate, but if 6 months has passed, you are most likely out of luck.