As with most laws, the rules for lawful death suits vary from state to state. Depending on where you live, you may have to follow a specific set of guidelines to be eligible to file a lawsuit on behalf of your departed loved one. In Oklahoma, the rules for wrongful death suits are very specific but uncomplicated once they are explained. Understanding these rules will make sure you can get the justice that your loved one deserved and that you receive the type of compensation that may help you move on. Keep reading to find out more about wrongful death lawsuits in Oklahoma and learn why you should hire a wrongful death lawyer to help with the process.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit?
Unlike other states, wrongful death lawsuits are handled by a personal representative of the deceased. This is someone specified by the deceased before their death who is authorized to handle the affairs of the departed, including filing wrongful death suits. Typically, the personal representative is the widow or widower of the deceased. However, other loved ones, such as parents or adult children, can also be designated as personal representatives. Should the deceased have not named a personal representative before their passing, it is possible that the court will bestow someone with that title before the wrongful death case can proceed.
Learn About the Damages Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases in Oklahoma are tried with the deceased specifically in mind, meaning the case views the death in terms of how the departed would have been affected, had they survived their injuries. This thought process includes the types of damages available. The first type of damages consider the effect suffered by the departed from the time of their injury until their death. Additionally, the court may consider the lost wages the departed may have suffered had they lived. The other type of damages for wrongful death suits in Oklahoma involve the family left behind. These damages take into account the economic and emotional impact experienced by the people the loved one left behind.
Be Cautious of the Restrictions for Oklahoma Wrongful Death Cases
Because wrongful death lawsuits are considered to be personal injury cases, they often have a distinct time frame for filing that is usually much shorter than a criminal case. Most commonly, the filing window for your loved one’s personal death suit is two years from the time of their death. After this point, you will not be able to file and will miss out on the compensation you could have possibly received. If your loved one’s death is also being criminally investigated, this may affect the filing window, but you should consult a wrongful death lawyer to be sure.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Fight for Your Loved One’s Memory
If your loved one has been killed due to the negligence of another, it’s likely that you’re not quite sure where to turn. You know that you and your departed loved one deserve justice but you don’t know where to get it. Although it will by no means lessen your pain, filing a wrongful death suit is one of the best ways to make sure someone is held responsible in some way for your loved one’s death. In Oklahoma, your best resource for a wrongful death lawyer who will handle your loved one’s case with the respect it deserves is the Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm. The Parrish DeVaughn legal team will expertly handle your wrongful death suit and fight for your just settlement. Contact us today so we can start working on your case.
