Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Canadian County, Oklahoma

The untimely death of a loved one is always a heart-wrenching and life-altering experience. When their death is caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief can morph into a profound sense of injustice. Is this the way you feel right now?  

If you answered “yes,” our team at The Handley Law Center might be able to help you.  

Our wrongful death attorneys serving Canadian County, Oklahoma, know that losing a loved one can be a shattering experience. We're here to help you seek justice, hold those responsible for your loved one’s death accountable, and recoup financial losses.  

Our law firm has decades of legal experience helping families get through the immeasurable tragedy and emotional and financial upheaval of losing a loved one. We serve clients throughout Canadian County, Oklahoma County, Kingfisher County, Blaine County, Custer County, and Caddo County.  

What Is Wrongful Death?

Oklahoma law defines wrongful death as the loss of life caused by the “wrongful act or omission of another” (Oklahoma Statutes § 12-1053). In other words, wrongful death occurs when the death of a person is the result of someone else’s negligent, careless, unjust, or intentional actions.  

As a rule of thumb, if the person who died had survived and had grounds to file a personal injury claim for compensation, their death may be considered “wrongful” under the law.  

At The Handley Law Center, our attorneys have successfully handled wrongful death cases resulting from:  

• Car accidents 

• Truck accidents 

• Catastrophic injuries 

• Construction accidents 

• Dog bites 

• Product liability (deaths caused by defective or otherwise unsafe products) 

• Premises liability (deaths caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property) 

• Pharmaceutical malpractice 

• Nursing home abuse or negligence 

• Toxic exposure (mesothelioma, asbestos, etc.) 

Often, a loved one’s death is so sudden and overwhelming that surviving family members may not be able to think about the possibility of filing a claim for compensation. That's why our team at The Handley Law Center offers free initial consultations so that you can better understand your rights and options without facing additional financial burdens.  

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma

Every state has its own laws regarding who can file a wrongful death claim after the passing of the decedent (the person who died) and how long they have to take legal action.  

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

Unlike other states, Oklahoma allows only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file wrongful death claims. The personal representative is typically named in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament if they had one. If your loved one dies without a will, the court will have to appoint a personal representative before anyone can proceed with a wrongful death claim.  

However, just because the personal representative initiates a wrongful death action does not mean they will claim all the money paid in compensation. The personal representative merely acts as the formal plaintiff in legal proceedings. They bring wrongful death action on behalf of the decedent’s surviving heirs and dependents, including any spouse, children, parents, and other family members.  

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Oklahoma law also places a time limit on filing wrongful death claims. The time limit is known as the “statute of limitations.” Oklahoma courts allow the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to bring a claim for compensation within two years from the date of the death.  

If no claim is filed within the two-year limit, the court will dismiss any future attempts to sue and recover damages, unless the case qualifies for one of the exceptions recognized by the state law (e.g., the negligent party fled the state and could not be found to bring to justice).  

What Compensation Can You Seek for Wrongful Death?

If your loved one’s life was cut short due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful act, you could seek several types of compensation to cover your financial burdens:  

• Medical expenses 

• Funeral and burial expenses 

• Loss of income 

• Loss of benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.) 

• Emotional anguish and distress 

• Loss of companionship and support 

• Punitive damages (these damages punish the defendant if they acted intentionally and with malice towards the decedent) 

Certainly, we understand that no amount of money in the world can undo what happened or make up for your loss. However, a successful legal case can give you and your family the much-needed sense of closure and provide you with the financial resources to move forward with your life. 

How Can Our Attorneys at The Handley Law Center Help?

If you lost a loved one, navigating the legal process without an attorney can seem too much to take on in such difficult times. Our wrongful death attorneys serving Canadian County, Oklahoma, can shoulder this burden so you can focus on grieving your loss and spending time with your family. Our services include:  

1. Claim preparation. We handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation on your behalf so you don’t have to.  

2. Evidence collection. Our team gathers all the evidence needed to strengthen your case.  

3. Accurate calculation. We help calculate how much your case is worth so that you get the full compensation to which you are entitled.  

4. Negotiations. We handle negotiations with the defendant, insurance companies, and other parties to advocate for your rights.  

5. Litigation. We are ready to take your case to court and present compelling arguments in front of the judge.  

6. Emotional support. We understand the pain and grief you are going through and strive to provide compassionate support throughout the process.  

Working with our team at The Handley Law Center means having a trusted partner who can bear the legal burdens of your case while you tend to more personal matters.