The loss of a loved one can change your family forever. In addition to your emotional pain, your family could also be dealing with the impact of financial loss due to the death, loss of support and other losses you could experience in virtually every area of your life. If the death of your family member is the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person, you and others related to the decedent could have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim.
While a wrongful death claim cannot reverse many of the difficulties your family is facing, it may be the first step that will allow you to pick up the pieces and move forward. The civil justice process provides you a chance to hold responsible parties accountable and cover some of the financial losses you experienced. If you are unsure of whether you have a claim, you may benefit from first seeking an assessment of your case.
A valid wrongful death claim
A death is not always grounds for a civil claim, but there are specific circumstances in which it is appropriate to pursue a reasonable recovery through this process. In order to have a valid wrongful death claim, your family must be able to provide evidence of the following:
- The death of a person close to you
- Financial suffering that was the direct result of that death
- Negligence or reckless actions that caused the fatal accident
The specific damages and compensation that could be available to you through your wrongful death claim depends on the details of your individual situation. You may be able to seek damages related to loss of companionship, emotional duress, loss of financial support, loss of consortium and more. A careful assessment of your case and the details of your loved one’s death can help you understand if you have grounds for a claim.
Don’t wait to take action
After the death of a loved one, it may be difficult to consider legal options or understand the financial repercussions that the accident could have on your life. However, these cases are time sensitive, and your quick action could directly affect the success of your claim and the preservation of important evidence. A wrongful death claim may be an appropriate course of action for a grieving Oklahoma family.
