Wrongful Death: Compassionate Legal Support For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones To Medical Negligence

Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking, but when their death is due to medical negligence, it can be even more devastating. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty about what to do next. In these difficult times, understanding your options for legal action can provide a path toward healing and justice. Wrongful death claims can help surviving family members hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for their loss.

Neighbors Law is committed to supporting families who have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one. Wrongful death attorney Brent L. Neighbors brings over 30 years of legal experience to the table. Having initially defended health care providers, he understands the strategies used by the opposing side and leverages that insight to his clients’ advantage. He handles every case with a dedication to integrity, trustworthiness and personalized attention. His advocacy is centered on empowering individuals against large entities, providing genuine and reliable representation through each step of the process.

Introduction To Wrongful Death

Wrongful death, from a legal perspective, occurs when an individual’s death is caused by the negligent or wrongful actions (or inaction) of another party. The implications of wrongful death extend well beyond the legal aspects, deeply affecting surviving family members emotionally and financially. Families may face unexpected expenses and the emotional burden of losing a loved one, making legal recourse an important consideration.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

Pursuing a wrongful death claim requires proving negligence, which has three elements:

• Breach of duty of care: This element involves showing that the defendant had a legal obligation to provide a certain standard of care to the deceased and that they failed to do so. In the context of medical malpractice, you must establish the appropriate professional standard of care applicable in the field. A breach occurs when the defendant fails to uphold this standard of care, acting in a way that a medical professional in their shoes would not have under similar circumstances.
• Causation: This requires establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the death of the individual. You must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions or omissions were the primary cause of the fatal outcome. In medical malpractice cases, this element often requires expert testimony to connect the breach directly to the death, ruling out other potential causes.
• Harm: This refers to the actual damage or loss suffered by the surviving family members due to the wrongful death. It can include financial loss, emotional suffering and loss of companionship. Demonstrating harm is essential to justify the compensation sought in the claim.

Expert witnesses can be crucial in establishing the facts and supporting the claim, particularly in medical malpractice cases.

Wrongful Death FAQ

If you are considering a wrongful death lawsuit, you may have many questions. Here are some common inquiries:

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, wrongful death claims can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate or the surviving spouse of the deceased. The compensation is typically distributed to their surviving spouse, children or parents.

What kind of damages are available?

Compensation in wrongful death cases may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral costs, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship and emotional distress. The exact damages available depend on the specifics of the case.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

Oklahoma law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer promptly to start building a strong case.

Get Compassionate Guidance On Your Wrongful Death Claim

If you have lost a loved one due to medical negligence, consider scheduling a free initial consultation with attorney Neighbors. You can reach out to Neighbors Law online or by phone at 405-467-3324. Attorney Brent L. Neighbors takes wrongful death cases throughout the state of Oklahoma, offering compassionate and dedicated legal support.