Norman, Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating under any circumstances, but it can be even more difficult to cope with a loss when someone else caused the death through careless or wrongful acts. At Dan Davis Law, our Norman wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice and closure through legal action. We are compassionate, caring, and experienced Oklahoma City accident attorneys who will work tirelessly to make sure that your family has what it needs to get through the legal process. Find out how we can help you during a free case evaluation.
What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
Your family is already going through enough while you mourn the loss of a loved one, organize a funeral and plan for the future. You do not also have to take on the civil justice process on your own. A wrongful death attorney in Norman can take over legal matters for you, to achieve the best possible case outcome while also lending you peace of mind.
A wrongful death claim is about more than just obtaining the financial compensation that your family needs for the future. It is a way to give your loved one justice, hold a wrongdoer accountable and bring your family closure. Working with the right wrongful death attorney can give you a better legal experience and higher case outcome. An attorney will be there for you and your family every step of the way. If a death occurred in Oklahoma City, please reach out to our Oklahoma City wrongful death lawyers.
What Are Examples of Wrongful Death?
The definition of wrongful death according to the Oklahoma Statutes is a death caused by the wrongful act or omission of another person or party, if it would have permitted the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit had he or she survived. A wrongful death lawsuit may be brought after a death connected to negligence (the failure to use ordinary care), and intentional wrongdoing.
Wrongful death claims often arise due to:
- Automobile accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous premises
- Defective products
- Physical abuse
- Violent crimes
If there is enough clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is more likely to be responsible for the victim’s fatal injury than not, the courts will order the defendant to pay a deceased individual’s estate or heirs to make up for the losses suffered. The burden of proof in a wrongful death claim is less than in a criminal case for murder or homicide. It is possible for the same defendant to receive a criminal conviction and be liable for wrongful death, but it is also possible for one to be true and not the other.
Oklahoma’s Wrongful Death Laws
The laws surrounding a wrongful death lawsuit change from state to state. For example, many states allow surviving family members to bring the lawsuit themselves. In Oklahoma, however, only the personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate has the right to file a wrongful death claim. If the decedent did not name an executor or administrator of his or her estate prior to death, the courts will appoint one.
The personal representative has a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A law known as the statute of limitations in Oklahoma gives plaintiffs no more than two years from the date of the decedent’s death to file this type of claim. If the filing party misses the deadline, the courts will most likely refuse to hear the case and bar the family from making a financial recovery.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney in Norman Today
It is important to consult with a wrongful death attorney in Norman, Oklahoma if you believe that you have grounds for this type of lawsuit. You don’t have to navigate the legal process or the state’s wrongful death laws alone. An attorney at Dan Davis Law, such as an Oklahoma City injury attorney, can help you understand how the law applies to your case and how to fight for justice for your loved one. Call (405) 276-4758 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our law firm has everything that you need to get through this difficult time.