Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. Someone you thought would be there through all of life’s important milestones is now gone. When that fatal accident is caused by someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence, the loss can be even more devastating.
As Oklahoma wrongful death lawyers, we understand the pain and frustration that accompanies such a tragedy. It’s not only the emotional toll but also the financial burden, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income, all of which can add up quickly. That’s why the experienced team at Carr and Carr is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those seeking justice for a loved one’s death. We are ready to listen to your story and help you navigate this difficult time.
Why Hire Carr and Carr for Your Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- The experienced personal injury attorneys at Carr and Carr have been protecting the rights of grieving families since 1973. We have the background, resources, and legal expertise to succeed in a wide range of wrongful death actions, from medical malpractice and workplace accidents to fatal car and truck accidents.
- Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. Having negotiated settlements and litigated wrongful death cases for several years, our personal injury lawyers have a strong track record of success.
- We understand that losing a loved one is a devastating experience. Our Oklahoma wrongful death lawyers work with you to develop a customized legal strategy after listening to your concerns and understanding your situation.
- Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost to you. Since our lawyers only get paid if we win your case, you can trust that we will work hard to maximize your financial compensation.
When you choose Carr and Carr for your wrongful death lawsuit, you can be confident that you are in good hands. We will do everything we can to provide you with compassionate legal representation and help your family achieve closure after a fatal accident.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
In Oklahoma, a wrongful death claim can be filed when someone’s death is caused by the intentional, reckless, or negligent actions of another person or entity. Pursuing a legal claim can help the surviving family members receive maximum compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional distress.
This action must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. If they left a will, the personal representative is usually the executor named in the will. If there is no will, the court will appoint a personal representative.
Under Oklahoma law, certain family members may be eligible to receive fair compensation through a wrongful death claim. This includes the victim’s spouse, children, and parents. If they had no surviving spouse, children, or parents, other relatives may be able to file.
It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This means that the lawsuit must be filed within a certain period of time after the death occurred. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of the person’s death.
If you’ve lost someone you love and want to hold the negligent party accountable, you’ll want to work with an experienced wrongful death lawyer who knows how to navigate the system and advocate for your legal rights. They can gather evidence like medical records and accident reports, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also provide the emotional support you need as the legal process unfolds.
Wrongful Death Claim Settlements
In an Oklahoma wrongful death case, several types of damages may be recoverable depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These common damages, which can be economic or non-economic, are meant to compensate surviving family members for their losses and can include:
- Medical Care Costs: If the deceased person incurred medical bills as a result of the fatal injuries or illness that led to their death, those costs may be recoverable. This includes expenses related to hospitalization, surgery, medication, and other medical treatments.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: You may be able to recover the costs associated with your loved one’s funeral and burial, including expenses related to the funeral home, cemetery, and any related services.
- Lost Income: If the victim was the primary breadwinner for the family or contributed significantly to the household income, you may be able to recover the income they would have earned had they not died. This can include lost wages, bonuses, and other benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: Surviving family members may be able to recover monetary damages for any suffering and mental anguish that their loved one experienced prior to death.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, and support. It can include both the loss of the deceased person’s presence and the loss of the relationship they had with surviving family members.
Punitive damages may also be awarded in certain circumstances. Unlike compensatory damages, they are intended to punish particularly reprehensible conduct and convey a message that egregious behaviors carry consequences. In Oklahoma, these awards can amount to either $100,000 or the amount of actual damages awarded, whichever is greater.
FAQS
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim?
While Oklahoma law does not require you to hire a lawyer for a wrongful death claim, seeking legal counsel increases your chance of getting the outcome you need. These highly emotional cases can be difficult to navigate due to complex laws and legal procedures, and an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the various stages of your claim.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim also involves dealing with insurance companies and negotiating a settlement or going to trial. An OKC wrongful death lawyer can assign a fair value to your case and negotiate with the insurance company adjuster and other liable parties involved to maximize your financial compensation. If necessary, they can take your case to trial and argue for a verdict that meets your needs.
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can be an emotionally devastating experience. Handling the legal aspects of a wrongful death claim while trying to cope with your loss can be a difficult process (if not impossible). Knowing that you have a skilled and caring lawyer on your side can allow you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Happens if My Loved One Was Killed on the Job?
If someone is killed on the job in Oklahoma, their family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. These benefits can include payment for medical costs and funeral expenses, compensation for lost income, and support for dependents. If a third party was responsible, such as a general contractor or the manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against them.
It is important to note that the laws surrounding workers’ compensation and wrongful death or personal injury claims can be complicated and insurers are rarely eager to pay large amounts to settle a lawsuit. It is therefore advisable to seek legal advice from an OKC wrongful death lawyer who can prepare your case and pursue the financial recovery you are entitled to.
Get a Free Consultation From an Wrongful Death Lawyer
The Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys at Carr and Carr know that no amount of compensation can replace your loss. We also understand that an unexpected death can leave innocent families facing sudden and seemingly overwhelming financial hardship. That is why we fight hard to recover the financial relief and peace of mind surviving family members need after a wrongful death.
If you believe a loved one’s death was caused by another’s negligence, please call our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers now at 866-510-0580 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We care about your future and are here to listen.
