When a person dies from an injury or illness that was caused by another party’s negligence, their surviving relatives may be entitled to compensation. These cases can be difficult, both legally and emotionally. A compassionate attorney could take on the responsibility of navigating the legal system, allowing you to instead focus on dealing with your grief.
State law provides the surviving relatives of the deceased with the opportunity to recover compensation through a wrongful death action. Pursuing these cases without the help of a compassionate attorney is risky. Before you act on your own, reach out to an Owasso wrongful death lawyer.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but these situations do not always provide the opportunity for financial compensation. Legal action is only appropriate when a person’s death is considered wrongful. This includes the loss of life caused by another person’s negligence, medical mistake, or intentional act.
Often, these claims are based on the types of incidents that typically lead to a personal injury lawsuit. Anyone from careless drivers to negligent surgeons could ultimately be at fault.
It might not be obvious to the surviving family members if their loved one lost their life due to negligence or not. However, you have the opportunity to work with an Owasso wrongful death attorney to determine if there is a viable claim.
There are many states that allow the surviving relatives to file their own wrongful death action, but that is not the case here. Instead, the law requires the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to bring the case. Often known as the executor, this party has the authority to stand in the place of the deceased during legal proceedings.
Often, the executor is named by the decedent through their last will and testament. When that is not the case, the court will ultimately select someone for this role. Family members frequently serve as the personal representative in these cases.
While the executor has the right to bring the case, the surviving relatives are entitled to recover any compensation obtained during the case. An Owasso wrongful death attorney could help you understand what damages might be available to you.
There is a time limit that applies to wrongful death lawsuits. The deadline, which is commonly known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If you wait too long to file your lawsuit or settle your claim, you could be unable to recover anything. This is true even if the facts support your case.
Typically, a plaintiff has two years to file a wrongful death. This two-year period usually starts on the day the person died. This might not always be the same day on which the negligent act occurred; for example, someone could pass away several weeks after a devastating vehicle accident.
Some limited situations could give you more time to file suit. Assuming these exceptions apply is risky, and it is vital to talk with our Owasso wrongful death attorneys to better understand the actual deadline.
If your family member passed away due to an act of negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation. This money cannot undo what happened, but it could provide you with a measure of justice in a difficult situation. Reach out to an Owasso wrongful death lawyer today to learn more.
(918) 744-7100