The death of a loved one can bring emotional and financial burdens to the survivors. Bereavement can become even more challenging if it is the product of an injury or accident caused by a third party. Still, there are actions you can take to fight for compensation and cover the expenses of a wrongful death.
File an insurance claim
If the deceased had a life insurance policy, it is time to file a claim. The policy could be provided by their employer or purchased individually. Insurance is designed to financially protect the beneficiaries in case of the insured’s death. If your loved one was the primary economic provider of the family, the insurance payment can alleviate your expenses.
The policy beneficiary should file the claim and await a resolution from the insurance provider. If the company denies your claim and you suspect any wrongdoing, you can seek legal counseling from an attorney. They can dissect the anatomy of your contract and provide a plan of action if necessary. If you obtain a favorable resolution, the compensation will depend on the specific terms of the policy.
Take legal action
It can be challenging to focus on legal matters while grieving. Still, taking legal action can help alleviate the costs associated with the death. If the passing of your loved one was caused by a wrongful action or omission of another, you might have a wrongful death case.
For example, a car accident where the not-at-fault driver died could be a wrongful death case. In Oklahoma, a favorable resolution can include compensation for medical and burial expenses and other damages caused by the death. Depending on the situation, the court could assign the recovered damages to the deceased’s spouse, children, or next of kin.
The laws stipulate that you have two years to initiate the legal procedure after the event. An attorney can assist you through the process and evaluate your options. A wrongful death is a traumatic event that can leave long-term sequels for the survivors. Seeking justice can give you peace of mind and reduce your financial burden.
