Driving home after a 12-hour overnight shift at a Cincinnati hospital, Beth Jasper was killed when she crashed into a tree.
Her husband Jim believes his wife was so tired that she fell asleep at the wheel.
The lawsuit alleges that during Beth Jasper's final shift, she complained to others that she "hadn't eaten," and that as a result of understaffing, nurses were often required to work through breaks.
In addition to seeking damages, Jasper wants the hospital to change its practices.
"Something needs to change, these cannot be treated this way the patient care is an issue but they can't continue to work these nurses and expect them to pick up the slack because they don't want to staff the hospital," said Jasper.
The hospital released a statement saying, "Our hearts go out to the family. We do not comment on pending litigation."
