Seek Justice with the Leading Law Firm in OKC

If you’ve recently lost a loved one due to what you suspect was someone else’s negligence or a deliberate act, you might be feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Grief, anger, confusion, and the burden of sudden financial pressures can be overwhelming. It’s a time when the support of a compassionate Oklahoma City wrongful death attorney and team becomes invaluable. An experienced wrongful death attorney can provide the clarity and guidance you need while you navigate this difficult period. They understand not just the legal complexities, but also the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a loss. They can shoulder the burden of legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on healing and honoring the memory of your loved one.

An attorney speaking with his clients.

When you’re feeling lost after the passing of a loved one, the empathetic team at OKC Injury Lawyers knows exactly how to help guide you through the legal maze. Our compassionate approach ensures that you have a supportive partner from the very start, easing the burden during this challenging time. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Take the first step towards closure and call us today at 405-906-4051 for a free case strategy session. Together, we can seek the justice your loved one deserves and secure the support you need to move forward.

 

Understanding Wrongful Death in Oklahoma City

In the eyes of the law, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the negligence or wrongful act of an individual or entity. This could range from auto accidents and medical malpractice to dangerous products and even criminal acts. The scenarios from which wrongful death actions can arise are diverse, encompassing intentional killing, medical malpractice, car accidents, excessive force by law enforcement, and nursing home abuse, among others.

But who exactly can file a wrongful death lawsuit? Under Oklahoma statutes, those eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit include the surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or a personal representative appointed by the court for the deceased’s estate. In some cases, a dependent grandchild or a life partner may also have the right to file, provided they can demonstrate a significant impact from the loss of the deceased.

A wrongful death claim is not solely about seeking financial compensation. The broader aim is to address accountability for preventable death, providing justice for the deceased, and addressing the emotional and financial impact on the surviving loved ones.

At OKC Injury Lawyers, we perceive every Oklahoma wrongful death case as a mission to deliver justice. We understand the emotional weight of these cases and use our legal experiences to navigate the intricacies of the law and secure the compensation that the families deserve. By holding negligent parties accountable, we aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.

 

The Legal Journey: Filing Your Wrongful Death Claim With Us

The process of filing a wrongful death claim can be daunting, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. The journey begins by contacting us promptly after your loved one’s death. This allows us to preserve critical evidence and establish an estate in the probate court, which provides jurisdiction for the case.

The claim is then filed by a personal representative, often named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court. They represent the interests of both the deceased and the beneficiaries. The damages sought in a wrongful death lawsuit may include compensation for a wrongful death suit. All these elements are evaluated using methods tailored to the specifics of your case.

It’s important to note that the filing of the wrongful death claim must take place within two years of the date of death, by Oklahoma Statutes, to be allowed by the statute of limitations.

 

Navigating Financial Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

The amount of wrongful death compensation awarded in wrongful death cases varies greatly, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. In Oklahoma, damages awarded in wrongful death lawsuits may include:

  • Medical and burial expenses
  • Mental pain and anguish suffered by the deceased
  • Pecuniary loss to survivors
  • Grief and loss of companionship of the children and parents.

In addition to compensatory damages, courts in Oklahoma may award punitive damages in wrongful death cases. These are intended to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. The financial impact of a wrongful death is assessed through complex valuations, which incorporate:

  • Future earnings
  • The pecuniary value of the deceased’s life
  • Non-economic losses such as grief, emotional anguish, loss of consortium, and loss of guidance, support, love, and companionship.

It’s important to understand that the damages awarded in wrongful death lawsuits are distributed to surviving family members following Oklahoma state laws. For instance, the surviving spouse may receive damages for grief and loss of consortium, while children and parents are compensated for grief and loss of companionship.

 

How OKC Injury Lawyers Advocate for You in Wrongful Death Cases

As Your Fierce Advocates®, OKC Injury Lawyers provides comprehensive support in wrongful death cases. Our approach is underpinned by thorough investigation, skillful negotiation, and aggressive litigation. Our objective is to procure the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We maintain open and ongoing communication with you throughout the process, handling various legal tasks and seeking higher court awards when settlements fall short.

 

Investigating the Cause of Your Loved One’s Death

An investigation is the foundation of a successful wrongful death claim. Our attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover crucial evidence and establish fault. Part of this process includes:

  • Engaging expert witnesses to aid in our evaluation and understanding of the facts of your case.
  • Engaging accident reconstruction experts who perform a detailed analysis of the incident using driver and witness statements, accident reports, photos, and black box data.
  • Conducting various analyses such as energy, drag factor, and crush analyses.
  • Using 3D models to determine the dynamics of the collision if the case goes to trial.

These steps are crucial in handling wrongful death claims and building a strong case for a wrongful death claim.

In addition to this, we review medical records, witness testimonies, photos of injuries, and evidence alongside police accident reports. As wrongful death attorneys, we recognize the need for meticulous investigation, consultation with specialists, interviewing witnesses, and strategizing based on law research for a successful case argument.

 

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies frequently pose the most significant challenge in wrongful death claim settlements. We apply our extensive experience to negotiate with insurance companies, preparing arguments that focus on the strengths of your claim. An accurate estimation of the claim’s value is crucial in these negotiations, which is why we utilize experts in various fields to ensure that every aspect is meticulously accounted for, including total medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.

We anticipate initial low settlement offers from insurance companies and use these as a starting point for further negotiations. Patience is a key element in insurance negotiations, as it can prevent settling for less than what is deserved, despite the process potentially being protracted.

With our firm’s aggressive advocacy and a proven track record in winning cases, we strengthen our position in negotiating effectively for swift and favorable settlements out of court.

 

Litigating for Maximum Compensation

When negotiations fail to yield adequate compensation, we are ready to take the case to court. Our attorneys formulate a strong case for trial by developing evidence and preparing to demonstrate the case’s validity in court. Even though litigation can be a lengthier process that includes thorough pre-trial procedures such as depositions and discovery, it often results in greater compensation compared to settlement offers.

As experienced wrongful death attorneys, we use our intricate knowledge of legal strategies and courtroom procedures to argue for full and fair compensation. As the trial approaches and litigation ensues, the likelihood of a fair settlement offer from insurance companies increases, indicating their preference to avoid a potentially more costly trial.

 

Our Areas of Experience in Wrongful Death Claims

Our experience in wrongful death claims is wide-ranging, covering various scenarios that may lead to wrongful death. Some examples include:

  • Medical malpractice
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Police brutality
  • Nursing home abuse

We are fully equipped to handle your case and fight relentlessly for justice.

 

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a common cause of wrongful deaths. It can arise when a patient dies as a result of medical negligence, leading a family member to file a lawsuit against the healthcare provider involved. Medical negligence can take various forms, including a failure to diagnose a harmful condition, failure to properly advise a patient of risks, or making unacceptable errors during treatment.

Establishing a medical malpractice wrongful death case is often intricate, as it depends on setting the appropriate medical standard of care and determining if the healthcare provider diverged from that standard. Our wrongful death claims due to medical malpractice may target both doctors and hospitals, as we discover proof of negligence and the establishment of damages, including pre-death pain and suffering, medical costs, and loss of income.

 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents also account for a considerable portion of wrongful death cases. Common causes of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Oklahoma City include speeding, disobeying traffic laws, driving under the influence, driving while impaired, or driver distractions.

Fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents commonly include severe traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding or organ damage, and spinal cord injuries. The significant weight and size difference between large trucks and passenger cars contribute to devastating destruction in truck accidents, while motorcyclists face higher risks of death during collisions due to the lack of safety equipment.

 

Police Brutality

The heartache of losing a loved one is immeasurable, but when their life is taken due to an act of police brutality, the pain is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. Families are left to grapple with the shock and disbelief that those sworn to protect us can sometimes be the cause of such devastating loss.

Addressing wrongful deaths due to police brutality presents its own set of challenges. The lack of available facts concerning specific instances of police brutality indicates a need for further investigations in such cases. Additional information is required to comprehensively address the legal complexities and strategies involved in ensuring justice for wrongful deaths due to police brutality.

 

Nursing Home Abuse

The very thought that a place we chose for comfort and safety could be the scene of unthinkable harm is heart-wrenching. When we entrust a nursing home with the care of our cherished family members, we believe it to be a sanctuary, a secure haven where they will be treated with dignity and compassion. To discover that this trust has been betrayed through abuse is a profound shock, leaving us with a deep sense of betrayal and an immeasurable loss.

Wrongful deaths in nursing homes can transpire due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Staff or resident neglect, abuse, or assault
  • Preventable falls
  • Malnutrition
  • Untreated medical conditions
  • Medication errors
  • Physical abuse

Our attorneys are devoted to holding responsible parties accountable for nursing home abuse that leads to wrongful deaths.

 

Why Trust OKC Injury Lawyers With Your Wrongful Death Case?

OKC Injury Lawyers stands out for our consistent history of securing favorable results for our clients in wrongful death cases, reflecting our skill and dedication to advocacy. Our clients have praised our hard work and compassion, with testimonials that echo a high degree of satisfaction and our attentive handling of each case.

We understand that the path to justice is laden with emotional distress and challenging decisions. Our wrongful death lawyers approach every case with compassion and understanding. We treat each case as unique, knowing the importance of personalized attention and sensitivity during the difficult journey families face after experiencing a wrongful death.

 

No Upfront Costs: Our Contingency Fee Promise

At OKC Injury Lawyers, we aim to provide our services without exacerbating your financial stress. We provide our services without requiring any legal fees upfront. We advance any costs needed for the case, ensuring you don’t have to worry.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are compensated only if the case is won or settled. This “no win, no fee” promise builds significant trust between us and our clients, ensuring you only pay once we successfully secure your compensation.

 

Essential Support Beyond the Courtroom

Our assistance at OKC Injury Lawyers goes beyond the courtroom. We listen to your stories, answer your questions, and ensure a comfortable process throughout your claim. We believe in providing answers and guidance to grieving families, helping them understand and feel at ease with each part of the legal proceedings.

Our dedication extends to taking over the legal burdens of the case and providing closure and peace of mind to families during a difficult time. This allows you to focus on healing and moving forward, knowing that your case is in capable hands.

If you’re grappling with the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, OKC Injury Lawyers stands ready to help you. Our seasoned team is well-versed in a wide array of wrongful death claims, from medical malpractice and vehicle accidents to police brutality and nursing home abuse. We pledge to fight tenaciously for your rights and the justice your loved one deserves, all on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t face this journey alone. Reach out to us at 405-906-4051 for a free consultation and let us be your pillar of strength and support in your pursuit of justice and peace.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A wrongful death action is a civil cause of action brought by family members and dependents against individuals who knowingly or negligently cause the death of another person. It seeks damages for the loss of support, society, comfort, and companionship.

No, wrongful death is a civil action for damages resulting from a person’s actions leading to another’s death, whereas negligence is just one form of liability in wrongful death suits. Therefore, they are not the same.

In a wrongful death case, the damages sought can include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income and retirement benefits, and pain and suffering for the surviving family members. The specific amount varies based on the decedent’s life expectancy, age, and income potential.

Typically, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by immediate family members such as spouses, children, and parents. In some instances, extended family members like siblings or grandparents may be eligible if they can demonstrate financial dependence on the deceased.

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. After this period, the court is likely to dismiss any lawsuit filed.