In Oklahoma, wrongful death cases demand strong legal action. When someone’s careless or reckless acts result in another person losing their life, the responsible party should be held accountable. It does not matter if the responsible party was a company or an individual.
If you have lost a loved one because of another’s negligent behavior, the compassionate Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys at BDIW Law understand what is at stake in these cases. It is more than recovering compensation, it is about justice for the deceased.
BDIW Law’s experienced wrongful death lawyer in Oklahoma knows the complexities and sensitivities associated with wrongful death cases, and we hope our efforts help make Oklahoma a little safer for its residents.
Asking an Attorney the Right Questions
When someone you love is lost because of the negligent or reckless behavior of another party, you need to find an experienced lawyer. The right attorney is there for the bereaved to help you make it through the rigorous and confounded journey that is a wrongful death claim. Ultimately, the journey will lead to relief from financial ruin and justice for the deceased.
This journey starts with the consideration of several important questions. The answers should help you see a wrongful death case more clearly. These questions should be asked during an initial consultation with a lawyer, and they should act as the building blocks for a better understanding your case and developing a relationship with the right attorney for your case:
- How much experience do you have as an attorney in wrongful death cases?
- How strong is my claim?
- How much compensation should I expect to receive?
- How do I file a wrongful death lawsuit?
- How does the legal process of a wrongful death case work?
- How will my case be handled, and will you represent me personally?
- How much will it cost me for you to represent me?
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYThe Importance of Experience
The laws of Oklahoma are a constant. The laws are set up to be interpreted by lawyers and the courts. In civil law, any lawyer should have the ability to file a wrongful death lawsuit. That does not mean all attorneys are equally as effective in taking these types of cases to a successful conclusion.
Attorneys with successful records have the knowledge to navigate the ins and outs of a case. They need compassion to fight for the victim’s families and do everything in their power to see the case through to the outcome. When a negligent party tries to avoid accepting the responsibility or the facts of the case are in dispute, a wrongful death case can get complicated.
An experienced attorney knows a wrongful death case will lead to conducting extensive investigations. A wrongful death settlement will need to be negotiated. The case may need to be argued in the courts. This needs more than a basic understanding of the principles surrounding wrongful death statutes. An effective lawyer knows the answer before the questions are asked.
Evaluating Strong Claims
There are some cases when not much investigation needs to be done to discover what and who caused the wrongful death. Other cases call for a lengthy investigation to be conducted by an attorney in order to gather all of the evidence and facts to build a convincing case. The strength of a case may not be evident at first.
In some situations, conflicting accounts come from witnesses. Liable parties may shroud facts. It is always best to be honest with your attorney because a savvy lawyer can take all the information you have available and dig into other sources until they can see the events that led to the death of your loved one.
Valuing a Claim
A qualified attorney can calculate the damages you and your family have suffered and help you recover the deserved compensation. The damages are calculated in three different categories:
- Economic Damages: These cover expenses to care for your loved one before they died and the cost of the funeral. It also accounts for the lost income the deceased could have earned.
- Non-Economic Damages: These cover the physical and mental pain and suffering by the deceased before they died. This includes the anguish because of the family’s loss of companionship, love, support, comfort, and other intangible aspects related to spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
- Punitive Damages: These are meant to punish malicious or egregious behaviors and deter others from committing similar misconduct.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Oklahoma, only personal representatives or executors of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In some cases, these representatives can be appointed in a will or an estate plan. In other cases, the court can name a personal representative.
You only have two years from the deceased death date to file a lawsuit. After you have chosen your attorney, they can take the case from there and answer specific questions regarding the case.
Handling the Lawsuit
It depends on the law as to how it is handled. Sometimes, senior attorneys handle these cases. Other times, junior associates work on the case with supervision from a more experienced attorney. There are times when a team of lawyers consults on given issues. The attorney should explain how they operate at the initial consultation.
Figuring Out Fees
Often, families suffering from an unexpected loss are also struggling financially. Many law firms represent clients in these cases on a contingency basis. This means no money is paid upfront, and the firm gets a percentage with possible expenses when a financial award is collected.
Contact an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
With more than 65 years of combined experience, BDIW Law has a successful history of handling complicated cases. We approach grieving families with professionalism and compassion to help families reeling from their loss.
As a wrongful death attorney in Oklahoma, we thoroughly explain state statutes and evaluate your case. Our team at BDIW Law can discuss the strength of your potential claim and give advice on how to proceed.
If you are a family grieving a loss because of someone else’s wrongful actions, let us start the process of getting the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact BDIW Law for a free consultation.
