At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, our Edmond wrongful death lawyer stands beside families during their darkest moments. Over 2,000 people in Oklahoma die each year from preventable accidents, and many of these deaths lead to wrongful death claims. These tragic losses from car crashes, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and other acts of negligence leave families facing emotional pain and financial hardship. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one.
Our wrongful death attorneys fight to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves. We handle every aspect of your wrongful death lawsuit while you focus on grieving and healing. Whether your loss occurred in Edmond, Oklahoma City, or anywhere in Oklahoma, we provide the legal representation and compassionate assistance you need during this difficult time.
Our Edmond Wrongful Death Lawyer Fights for Your Rights
We dedicate ourselves to protecting families who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Our wrongful death lawyers know Oklahoma wrongful death law inside and out, including the wrongful death statute at 12 O.S. § 1053. We understand how to navigate complex legal procedures and gather the evidence needed to prove liability. Insurance companies and large corporations often try to minimize what they pay grieving families.
We stand between you and these powerful entities to fight for full compensation. Our personal injury attorney pursues every dollar available for medical bills, funeral costs, burial expenses, and non-economic damages like loss of consortium and pain and suffering. You deserve accountability and financial protection after such a devastating loss.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
Oklahoma law requires that wrongful death lawsuits be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The surviving spouse, children, or parents cannot file directly on their own. If your loved one named a representative in their will, that person handles the lawsuit. If no will exists, the court appoints someone, usually the spouse or closest family member.
The personal representative acts on behalf of all surviving family members who suffered losses. This legal requirement protects everyone’s interests and ensures proper distribution of any settlement or trial award. We help families navigate the process of appointing a personal representative and filing the civil lawsuit correctly.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths stem from many types of accidents and negligent conduct across Oklahoma. These preventable tragedies occur when individuals or companies fail to exercise reasonable care. Understanding what caused your loved one’s death helps us identify liable parties and build a strong case for compensation.
Common causes we handle include:
- Auto accidents: Car crashes, drunk driving collisions, and hit-and-run collisions on Oklahoma roads
- Medical negligence: Medical malpractice, medication errors, and defective medical devices
- Workplace accidents: Oil field injuries, industrial accidents, and unsafe workplace conditions
- Road-related accidents: Motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, and pedestrian deaths
- Defective products: Dangerous consumer goods and faulty equipment
- Construction accidents: Falls, equipment failures, and electrocution on job sites
Types of Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
Oklahoma law allows families to recover different types of damages after a wrongful death. These damages aim to compensate for both financial losses and emotional suffering. The total compensation depends on many factors, including the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and relationship with survivors. We work hard to maximize every aspect of your claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover actual financial losses with clear dollar amounts. These costs often start piling up immediately after the death and continue for years. We calculate the full value of economic damages by reviewing medical records, bills, and financial documents. Oklahoma law allows recovery for all reasonable expenses related to the death.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills: Doctor’s bills, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy before death
- Funeral and burial expenses: Costs of services, caskets, burial plots, and headstones
- Lost income: Wages and benefits the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
- Loss of services: Value of household work and care the deceased provided
- Estate administration: Legal costs and fees for handling the estate
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a set price tag. These damages recognize the emotional and personal impact of losing a loved one. As of late 2025, Oklahoma has no constitutional cap on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases following the Beason v. I.E. Miller Services ruling. This means families can pursue full compensation for their emotional losses.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress the deceased endured before death
- Loss of consortium: Loss of companionship, love, and intimacy for the surviving spouse
- Loss of guidance: Loss of parental guidance and nurturing for children
- Grief and mental anguish: Emotional suffering experienced by all family members
- Punitive damages: Additional compensation to punish extreme recklessness or intentional harm
Why Choose Hasbrook & Hasbrook for Your Wrongful Death Case
Our firm brings decades of combined experience handling wrongful death cases throughout Oklahoma. We treat every client with compassion and respect during their time of grief. Our proven track record shows we get results for families seeking justice and compensation. We know Edmond, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding areas well, including local courts and legal resources.
Past clients recommend us because we fight hard while providing emotional support throughout the legal process. We have successfully recovered millions in settlements and trial verdicts for families who lost loved ones to negligence. Our wrongful death attorneys work closely with expert witnesses, private investigators, and accident reconstruction specialists to build the strongest possible case.
Personalized Support for Families
We create tailored strategies for each wrongful death case based on its unique circumstances. No two families face the same situation or have identical needs. Our team takes time to understand your loved one’s life, relationships, and the impact of their death on your family. We provide compassionate guidance through both the legal and emotional challenges you face.
Our personal injury claims process includes regular communication to keep you informed. We answer your questions promptly and explain complex legal procedures in simple terms. We handle all negotiations with insurance adjustors and opposing counsel so you don’t have to. This personalized approach ensures you feel supported every step of the way.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Taking the right actions after losing a loved one protects your legal rights to compensation. The days and weeks following a death bring overwhelming emotions and decisions. Knowing what to do helps preserve evidence and strengthens your wrongful death lawsuit. We guide families through this difficult process with compassion and expertise.
First, report the incident to the police if it involved an accident scene, like a car crash or workplace injury. Seek copies of police and accident reports as soon as they become available. Request autopsy reports and all medical records related to your loved one’s death. Contact our law firm promptly for a free consultation, as Oklahoma’s statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a wrongful death claim. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents without legal counsel present.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
Strong evidence makes the difference between winning and losing a wrongful death case. The investigation must begin quickly before evidence disappears or witnesses forget important details. We conduct thorough evidence-gathering through our network of experts and legal resources. Documentation proves both liability and the full extent of your family’s losses.
Critical evidence includes:
- Police and accident reports: Official documentation of how the death occurred
- Medical records: Complete records of treatment and cause of death
- Witness testimonies: Statements from people who saw the accident or incident
- Expert testimony: Analysis from accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Financial records: Pay stubs, tax returns, and documents showing lost income
- Photos and videos: Visual evidence from the accident scene or surveillance cameras
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many families hurt their wrongful death claims without realizing it. Insurance companies and defendants look for any reason to reduce or deny compensation. Knowing what mistakes to avoid protects your right to full recovery. We help clients navigate these potential pitfalls from the start.
Mistakes to avoid include:
- Accepting early settlement offers: First offers are almost always far too low
- Talking to insurance without a lawyer: Adjusters use your words against you
- Missing the filing deadline: Oklahoma’s two-year statute of limitations is strict
- Posting on social media: Posts can be used as evidence to undermine your claim
- Waiting too long to hire an attorney: Delay makes evidence harder to collect
Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute at 12 O.S. § 1053 governs how families seek accountability after fatal accidents. This law differs from personal injury claims in important ways. Understanding these legal requirements helps families know what to expect during the process. We explain Oklahoma wrongful death law in plain language so you understand your rights.
Only the personal representative of the estate can file the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members. The surviving spouse receives compensation for loss of consortium and pecuniary loss. Children can recover from loss of parental guidance and companionship. Parents of deceased children receive damages for grief and loss of companionship. Oklahoma uses modified comparative negligence, meaning if your loved one was 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. If they share less than 51% of the fault, your compensation gets reduced by that percentage.
Dealing With Insurance and Defendants
Insurance companies and large corporations employ teams of lawyers and settlement negotiators. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on wrongful death claims. They use many tactics to avoid full accountability for negligent conduct. Some offer quick, low settlements, hoping families will accept them before they know the claim’s true value.
Others drag out negotiations, hoping families give up or settle for less. We know these tactics well from years of experience fighting insurance policies and corporate defendants. Our wrongful death lawyers handle all negotiations and communications to protect your interests. We prepare every case for trial to show we’re serious about getting full compensation. This approach often leads to better settlement offers before trial becomes necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Oklahoma?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the claim on behalf of surviving spouses, children, parents, and other beneficiaries.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the death date in most cases.
What damages are recoverable in a wrongful death case?
Families can recover funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages for reckless conduct.
Can I file a claim if the deceased was partially at fault?
Yes, unless they were 51% or more at fault. Oklahoma’s comparative fault rules reduce compensation by the deceased’s percentage of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?
Yes. Complex laws, evidence gathering, and tough negotiations with insurance adjustors make legal representation essential for maximizing compensation and protecting your rights.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Cases typically take several months to over a year, depending on complexity, evidence availability, and whether settlement negotiations succeed or a trial becomes necessary.
What is the difference between wrongful death and survival action?
Wrongful death compensates survivors for their losses. A survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed, such as their own pain and suffering.
Do wrongful death cases go to trial?
Many settle through negotiations, but we prepare every case for trial. Some cases require a trial verdict when defendants refuse fair settlement offers.
How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?
We work on contingency fee agreements, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid a percentage if we win compensation for your family.
Can I file a wrongful death claim against a family member?
Yes, if their negligence caused the death. This often involves their auto insurance or homeowner’s coverage rather than personal assets.
Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
Don’t face this difficult time alone after losing a loved one to negligence in Edmond or anywhere in Oklahoma. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to review your wrongful death case. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights and options under Oklahoma law. We charge no upfront fees and work on contingency fee agreements, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. We respond quickly and treat every family with compassion and respect. Our wrongful death lawyers have the experience and legal resources to handle complex cases from investigation through trial if needed. We work with expert witnesses and private investigators to build the strongest possible case. Let us fight for the accountability and financial protection your family deserves while you focus on healing. Contact our Edmond wrongful death lawyer now to start your journey toward justice for your loved one.
