Oklahoma Wrongful Death Claim Statute of Limitations
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is never easy. It can be shocking and devastating when you are surprised with the news that someone you care for deeply has lost their life. This situation can become even more emotional and painful when the loss of life was something that did not have to happen and could have been avoided. Such is the situation for many wrongful death cases.
It is natural in a wrongful death situation to feel angry and want to see justice served against the negligent party that caused your loss. In a civil case, like wrongful death, doing so comes by way of filing a wrongful death suit against the party that caused your harm and obtaining financial compensation for your losses.
In Oklahoma, certain parties left behind after a wrongful death incident can sue the negligent party for compensation to account for all damages incurred. However, there is only a limited amount of time to take legal action, and this is known as the statute of limitations. Each state has its own statute of limitations which dictates the length of time citizens can take legal action to secure financial compensation for damages.
In these situations, it is best to partner with a local and trained attorney who understands the wrongful death process and knows how to manage a claim. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City wrongful death attorney at the Putnam Law Office can assist you with your wrongful death claim.
How Long Does a Victim Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma?
When you decide to file a wrongful death claim in Oklahoma, there are several damages you may be able to include in your claim such as:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Missed wages
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of household services
- Pain and suffering
A wrongful death claim is different from a criminal case such as murder or homicide. Because of this, wrongful death claims are handled in the civil system, not the criminal system. As a result, a victim can only secure financial compensation for their losses.
Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is able to take legal action and file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. The personal representative is the individual who is named in planning documents like a will or estate plan. Though, if the deceased did not have these documents in place or if they did not name a personal representative, the Oklahoma court will step in and determine who the party will be that can bring about the suit.
Taking action quickly after a wrongful death incident is recommended because you only have a limited amount of time to file your suit. The wrongful death statute of limitations in Oklahoma is just two years from the date that the deadly incident happened.
Speak with an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Attorney Today
The Oklahoma wrongful death lawyer at the Putnam Law Office can help you with your wrongful death claim and fight to get you all of the compensation you deserve after such a tragic life event. To learn more, please call the Putnam Law Office to schedule a free consultation at (405) 849-9149.
