Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person will ever go through. When that loss is the result of someone else’s negligence, family members can face a hard time sorting through their shock, grief, and anger. While they work through these emotions, they may also face financial losses due to the death. The deceased may have provided an income for the household that they have now lost. Family members will also be responsible for funeral and burial costs.

In Muskogee, when a wrongful death has occurred, family members can turn to Edwards & Patterson Law to protect their rights and pursue compensation that will help them to move forward. “We care. We fight. We win.” That’s more than just a slogan to us. It means that we will fight for you and your future. Contact us now for a free review of your case and learn more about what we can do to help you during this challenging time.

When Should You Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

Not all deaths warrant a wrongful death claim. It is only when a loved one has died due to someone else’s wrongdoing that family members in Muskogee can file a lawsuit to claim compensation for their loss. If you face this situation, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law as soon as possible.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Oklahoma?

The statute of limitations, or time limit, on wrongful death claims in Oklahoma, is two years from the date of death. Your attorney will need to gather evidence in order to establish liability, obtain witness statements, conduct accident reconstruction and perform many more tasks before filing a claim. All of this takes time. So, the sooner you reach out to us, the better off you will be in the long run.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is, simply put, a death caused by the wrongful actions of another person. Those wrongful actions can be intentional, reckless or negligent. Essentially, if the deceased victim would have been able to file a personal injury claim if he or she had survived the accident, then the victim’s loved ones should have a valid wrongful death case.

For example, if a motorist suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the motorist likely would be eligible to file a personal injury claim against that driver. As such, if the motorist died from his or her injuries, the motorist’s surviving family members could file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of compensation can replace the loss of a family member, it could play an important role for the family as they move ahead.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Wrongful Death Claims?

Many parties can be held liable in wrongful death claims. The responsible party will depend on the circumstances of the case. Possible liable parties can include:

  • Health care professionals – When doctors and other health care workers commit malpractice that causes the death of a patient, those medical professionals should be held fully accountable.
  • Negligent drivers – Drivers that behave negligently or recklessly behind the wheel can be held liable if they cause a motor vehicle accident that kills someone.
  • Trucking companies – Trucking companies are responsible for hiring drivers that are competent, skilled and experienced. When they fail to do so, or when they fail to properly train and supervise their drivers, and one of those drivers causes a trucking accident, trucking companies can be held liable.
  • Manufacturers – Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe to use and do not contain any defects. When they fail to do so, and a person is killed by a dangerous product, their loved ones can hold the manufacturer liable.
  • Property owners – Property owners are responsible for ensuring their property is well maintained and safe for others to enter. If they do not, and someone is killed as a result, they can be held liable in a wrongful death claim.

These are just a few of the individuals and organizations that can be held responsible in a wrongful death claim in Muskogee. Our goal at Edwards & Patterson Law will be to determine the cause of your loved one’s death as well as identify all liable parties.

Do You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Determining liability in a wrongful death case is more challenging than it may seem. Sometimes, multiple parties are liable such as in a wrongful death case that involves a truck accident. As a result, a wrongful death claim may involve dealing with multiple insurance companies – each of whom will be blaming the other. A Muskogee wrongful death attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law will know how to determine liability and hold the responsible party or parties accountable.

Consult your LawyerNegotiations are a large part of any wrongful death claim. If an insurance company is involved, the insurer may begin the claims process by offering a settlement that fails to fully cover your family’s losses. However, your attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law will know the value of your settlement and begin negotiations by demanding a full and fair amount for you. Your attorney will also be prepared to take your case to trial and argue in front of a jury, if necessary.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Muskogee Today

If you have lost someone due to the wrongful actions of another person, you may be able to claim compensation for your losses. At Edwards & Patterson Law, our Muskogee wrongful death lawyers can help you to pursue the settlement or verdict that you deserve. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.

We will explain the law in Oklahoma as it applies to your case, provide a full evaluation of your claim and aggressively pursue any compensation you deserve. As you will quickly see, we take pride in delivering personal attention and sound legal guidance that grieving families need during difficult times. We won’t care just about winning your wrongful death case. We will also care about you and your family’s future.