Wrongful Death
Oklahoma’s Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a loved one to another party’s careless act is heartbreaking. Beyond the grief, families often face sudden bills and lost income. Knowing your legal options can open the door to accountability and financial support.
Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers stand for justice. Our team manages every aspect of a wrongful-death claim, using all available legal tools to hold the responsible party liable.
We aim to ease your burden and pursue a result that helps your family move forward.
Resources
Understanding Wrongful Death: Definitions And Legal Grounds
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Oklahoma?
Types Of Damages Recoverable In Wrongful Death Cases
How Wrongful Death Settlements Are Calculated
The Role Of Negligence And Evidence In Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Defining Wrongful Death
A wrongful-death claim arises when someone’s reckless or intentional conduct takes another person’s life. This civil action lets the victim’s relatives seek damages from the at-fault party, damages that can cover lost income, funeral costs, and the family’s future financial needs. Fatal motor-vehicle crashes, medical errors, and job-site accidents rank among the most common case types, though any situation involving careless or violent behavior may qualify.
To file suit in Oklahoma, three points must be shown:
- A death occurred because of another party’s negligence or deliberate act.
- Close family members now face financial harm from that loss.
- A personal representative has been appointed for the estate.
Establishing these elements through careful investigation is the first step toward holding wrongdoers accountable and securing the support your family needs.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death
Claim in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a wrongful-death lawsuit is typically filed by the estate’s personal representative, often a spouse, parent, or adult child.
When no representative has been named, the court appoints someone to act for the estate and surviving relatives.
Knowing who holds this legal right helps the family begin the pursuit of justice and much-needed compensation.
Types of Damages Recoverable
in Wrongful Death Cases
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the damages awarded attempt to compensate for the losses suffered due to the death. These damages can be both economic and non-economic in nature.
Economic damages cover quantifiable losses. These include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages or benefits. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for intangible losses. These include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
The types of damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death case include:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
How Wrongful Death Settlements Are Calculated
The calculation of wrongful death settlements is a complex process. It involves a thorough evaluation of both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are typically easier to calculate. They are based on tangible financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income. Non-economic damages, however, are more subjective. They are determined based on the severity of the emotional distress and loss of companionship suffered.
Understanding how wrongful death settlements are calculated can provide clarity. It can help you comprehend the potential value of your claim and the factors that influence it.
Negligence and Evidence
In a wrongful-death claim, success depends on proving negligence, a party’s failure to use the same care a reasonable person would exercise under like circumstances.
Convincing proof supports that claim. Medical records, police reports, photos, and witness statements can explain how the fatal event occurred. Collecting and preserving these materials early strengthens the case.
Recognizing how negligence is defined and why solid evidence matters can shape the outcome for families seeking accountability and fair compensation.
Why Choose Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers
for Your Wrongful Death Case?
Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers brings decades of experience to wrongful-death claims and has secured significant recoveries for grieving families throughout Oklahoma.
We work on a contingency fee basis, no legal fees unless we obtain compensation, which reflects our commitment to achieving the best result possible.
By learning the full story of your loss, we craft a strategy that meets your needs and pursue the justice your loved one deserves.
Our Commitment to Justice and Accountability
Our commitment to justice and accountability sets us apart. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. We understand the emotional toll a wrongful death lawsuit can take. Our compassionate attorneys provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process.
At Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers, we are not just legal professionals. We are your trusted advocates and allies, committed to securing justice for you and your loved ones.
Securing Your Legal Rights and Future
Losing someone to another’s wrongdoing can feel overwhelming. Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through this difficult period. Our seasoned wrongful-death attorneys can explain your rights and outline every step needed to reach a fair settlement.
Protecting your family’s future is our top priority, and we work tirelessly so you receive the full compensation allowed by law.
You do not have to shoulder this alone. With Polchinski & Smith beside you, you can focus on family while we pursue justice for your loved one.
