Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nothing can compare to the trauma and shock of losing a loved one. If you lost a family member in an accident, you may still be grieving and dealing with the aftermath. Unexpected expenses, such as those associated with the burial, may make it difficult for your family to make ends meet. If your loved one was the financial provider of the family, you may not know how you will maintain your standard of living going forward. Contact a wrongful death lawyer today, Bryan & Terrill are experienced legal professionals who understand what you and your family may be going through. We offer free consultations and are standing by to hear your story. A wrongful death settlement can provide loved ones with the financial means to pay for losses associated with a loved one’s death. While pursuing a lawsuit may seem like a daunting task during grieving, Bryan & Terrill Law will make the process as easy and quick as possible while effectively and aggressively fighting for just compensation.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Only certain relatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit under Oklahoma law. The individuals who may collect damages under Oklahoma’s wrongful death statutes include:
- Immediate family such as spouses and children of the deceased. Parents of unmarried children may file wrongful death actions, as well.
- If the deceased person has no parents, spouse, or children, their heirs may file a wrongful death action.
These are the beneficiaries of a wrongful death suit, but they are not always the party that files. In some cases, the executor of the deceased’s estate handles the filing process. He or she will work with an attorney to recover damages on behalf of the immediate family members or heirs. For more questions about who is eligible to file in Oklahoma, contact a wrongful death lawyer today at Bryan & Terrill Law.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Suit
A wrongful death lawsuit exists to help surviving family members recover damages or financial losses associated with the death in the family. These losses may include:
- Medical expenses for the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss in family earning capacity
- Loss of partnership or protection
- Property damage
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from losing a loved one
In some instances, the courts may allow a plaintiff to pursue “punitive damages.” These exist to punish the wrongdoer for gross misconduct and “make an example” of their negligence. These damages are rare, but may apply when a defendant showed wanton misconduct or carelessness.
What is Wrongful Death?
Certain individuals may file wrongful death suits when a loved one loses their life due to another entity’s carelessness. Examples of wrongful death cases include, but are not limited to:
- Fatal car or truck accidents
- Work-related fatalities
- Deaths resulting from using defective products
- Deaths resulting from toxic substances
A wrongful death claim may arise when someone dies as the result of someone else’s legal fault. This legal concept of negligence forms the basis of most personal injury claims.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
We know that nothing can bring back a loved one or erase the pain of losing them. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can help your family with the financial struggles associated with losing a family member. At Bryan & Terrill Law, we work with family members of those who lose their lives in accidents and help them recoup financial losses. To see if you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so the process is at no risk to you. Schedule your appointment today.