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Fatal Accidents in Tulsa: How Wrongful Death Claims Work for Surviving Families

Home/Blog/Fatal Accidents in Tulsa: How Wrongful Death Claims Work for Surviving Families
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Last Modified on Mar 11, 2026

When a loved one dies due to another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing, no amount of money can bring them back. However, surviving families find themselves dealing with immense grief on top of financial and emotional stressors. After a fatal accident in Tulsa, your family deserves answers and possibly even compensation. From Northridge to Tower Heights, when you lose a loved one in an accident, Fulmer Sill is here to support you.

Understanding How Wrongful Death Claims Work in Tulsa

The loss of a loved one is a painful experience, no matter the circumstances of their death. However, when that death has been caused by the negligence, reckless behavior, or internal wrongdoing of another individual, business, or other entity, the grief you feel is only compounded by anger and confusion. Over the last several decades, wrongful deaths have skyrocketed by a mind-numbing rate of 157%.

In Oklahoma, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another’s action or the same type of conduct that would have resulted in personal injury if the victim survived. Filing a claim for wrongful death is complicated, and only the personal representative, or the executor, of the deceased individual’s estate can take this legal action. This person will either be named in the will of the deceased or appointed by the court system.

While the claim can only be filed by this individual, the damages that can be recovered are meant to benefit the surviving family members, including:

  • The surviving spouse
  • The surviving children, either through natural birth or adoption
  • In certain cases, the parents of the deceased minor can bring the claim forward directly themselves
  • If no spouse or children survive the deceased individual, then the next of kin can receive the benefits of a wrongful death claim

At Fulmer Sill, whatever your role is in the wrongful death claim, we are here to assist and represent you. Let us handle all the legalities of your case so that you and your loved ones can come together and take this time to heal and move forward into the future stronger and more equipped for whatever might come your way.

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims’

In a single year, the United States can see around $1.28 billion in costs for preventable injuries and deaths. When a loved one dies, the executor of the deceased’s estate can seek compensation for certain damages that have arisen due to the death. Compensation in wrongful death cases often comes in the form of:

  • Related medical costs, including any emergency transportation, attempted treatments or surgeries, and necessary hospital stays
  • Loss of financial support for the deceased, such as lost wages, employment benefits, and future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering that the deceased experienced between the time of their injury and their resulting death
  • Loss of companionship and compensation for the loss of love, care, and guidance that had been provided by the deceased
  • Punitive damages, if the death was caused by actions deemed especially negligent or particularly egregious

At Fulmer Sill, our lead attorneys are here to review your case and determine the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. We know money cannot bring your loved one back to you, but it can help ease some of the burden that comes with their passing.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fulmer Sill was founded in 2014 by attorneys with over 35 years of combined experience in representing and empowering injured individuals across Oklahoma. At Fulmer Sill, we treat every case as though it is heading for a court trial, so that nothing surprises us. We have recovered over $200 million in compensation for clients, and while past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we are here to seek the most favorable outcome in your wrongful death claim.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Claim?

The time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim in Tulsa ultimately depends on the circumstances of your unique case. These claims can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to reach a conclusion, depending on factors like the availability of the evidence, the availability of the courts, and the willingness to cooperate with all parties involved.

How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me?

There are several ways in which a wrongful death lawyer can help you and your loved ones in a claim following a truck accident in Oklahoma. At Fulmer Sill, we can review all the details of your loved one’s death and help to determine liability, calculate the full and fair amount of compensation your family may be entitled to, and enter negotiations with the at-fault party. If necessary, we can also take your case to court.

What Are the Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Tulsa?

In Tulsa, fatal accidents happen every day. In a single year, the United States can experience around 222,698 preventable injuries that result in death. The most common causes of these accidents include motorized vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, defective product or product liability accidents, and construction site accidents.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, there is a strict statute of limitations for all wrongful death claims. Currently, this statute of limitations stands at two years from the date of death. This means that your family only has two years following the death of your loved one to file a claim. Your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any compensation.

Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal accident in Tulsa, you need to hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. At Fulmer Sill, our attorneys are prepared to dedicate their time and efforts to helping you recover the full amount of compensation and justice you deserve. We know this is a difficult time for your family, and we are here to serve you however you need us. To schedule your initial consultation with our team, contact our offices today.