Tulsa Attorneys Providing Compassionate Representation in Wrongful Death Actions

Based in Tulsa, The Barkett Law Firm has significant experience handling wrongful death actions in Oklahoma courts. We understand that losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person may endure, especially when the loss occurs suddenly and could have been prevented. By providing strong legal support and treating clients with dignity, we strive to help our clients overcome tragedy and obtain the legal remedy they deserve.

Oklahoma wrongful death law

Under Oklahoma’s wrongful death law, when a death is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another, the personal representative or estate of the deceased person may maintain an action for damages if the deceased person may have maintained a personal injury claim, had he or she lived, for the same act or omission that resulted in death. Recoverable damages include:

• Medical and burial expenses, which are distributed to the person or government agency that paid these expenses, or to the deceased person’s estate if it paid these expenses
• The loss of consortium and the grief of the surviving spouse, which is distributed to the surviving spouse
• The mental pain and anguish suffered by the deceased person, which is distributed to the surviving spouse and children, if any, or next of kin in the same proportion as personal property of the deceased person

Oklahoma law allows a wrongful death action to be brought on behalf of the estate of person whose death was caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another. Generally, this means that a spouse, child or parent brings the action. If those individuals are no longer living, a sibling or other appointed person may file the claim. In most cases, a wrongful death action must be filed with two years of the date of death.

Wrongful death & negligent care

The loss of a loved one is always a tragic event. But when a death occurs because of the negligence or mistake of a care provider, surviving family members are often left in a state of intensified shock and anger. For example, we handled a wrongful death action in which a seven-month-old baby died in foster care because of the negligence of the foster parents and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The case went to trial, and we obtained a $20 million verdict on behalf of our client.

As injury lawyers, we understand how difficult a situation such as this is to overcome. Therefore, we handle our clients’ concerns with compassion, and work tirelessly to see responsible parties held accountable for their actions. Our firm has also handled wrongful death actions arising out of motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents, as well as cases in which a victim suffered head injuries or paralysis before death.

Talk to an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Tulsa

If your family has lost a loved one as the result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, please contact The Barkett Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We handle wrongful death actions on a contingency fee basis, so you do not need to worry about paying legal fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.