Edmond Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Edmond, OK

Losing a loved one is never an easy experience, but when a loved one is killed because of another person’s negligence or wrongful actions, the suddenness and trauma of the loss can be multiplied. If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Contact an experienced Edmond wrongful death lawyer to find out how to take the first steps.

About Fulmer Sill

There are certain situations in life that seem like they have the power to break us. If you have lost a loved one suddenly, you may be left with their final medical bills, funeral expenses you were not prepared for, and the financial strain associated with losing their income. All of these things can add financial stress to what is already a grave injustice, and you may feel like you have no way forward.

At Fulmer Sill, we understand how emotionally difficult these situations can be, and we handle each case with compassion and empathy. Our firm is set apart from the rest because we take a team approach with every case we take on. At other law firms, clients may get the attention of one attorney. With us, you get the whole team.

What Makes a Death Wrongful?

A death may be considered wrongful if it was caused by the wrongful or neglectful actions or inactions of another person. Generally, for a death to be considered wrongful, the following statements must be true: 

• The defendant or the liable party had a duty of care to the deceased person.
• The liable party neglected their duty of care.
• The death is a direct result of that neglect of duty.
• The deceased person’s surviving family members suffered losses because of the death.

Another reliable way to determine whether a death should be considered wrongful is to ask what would have happened if the victim had survived. If the deceased person would have been able to file a personal injury claim for the accident if they had survived their injuries, then the death is likely wrongful. Some common contexts for wrongful death claims include the following: 

• Car accidents: In 2023, 718 people died in accidents on Oklahoma roadways. Car accidents are one of the most common contexts for wrongful death claims, as the fatalities can often be attributed to a driver’s negligence or carelessness.
• Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice is more common than one might like to think. In fact, up to 9.5% of deaths that occur in hospital settings are the result of medical errors.
• Premises liability cases: Premises liability is the legal concept that property owners and managers are responsible for making sure their properties are safe for people who visit them. When someone dies because of a slip-and-fall accident or similar incident related to neglectful property maintenance, their loved ones often have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

What Damages Can a Family Recover From a Wrongful Death Claim in Edmond?

The damages a family can recover for a wrongful death in Edmond generally fall into the following categories:

• Medical bills: In cases involving traumatic accidents, many deceased people accumulate significant medical bills before they pass away, leaving families to deal with that financial burden.
• Funeral costs: When someone dies unexpectedly, they may not have funeral expenses taken care of in advance.
• Lost wages: If others relied on the deceased person’s income, the wrongful death settlement should include projected earnings from that person. These figures can be calculated based on the deceased person’s current salary and their likely career trajectory.
• Pain and suffering: Aside from these monetary losses, families can also recover damages for the physical pain their loved one suffered and the emotional pain associated with losing them.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you find yourself in the unthinkable position of needing compensation for a loved one’s death in Edmond, you should hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as you can. Most people have never been through anything like this before, so it is immediately helpful to have guidance from someone who understands the legal process and how to navigate it.

Your attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and can represent you in negotiations as you attempt to reach a settlement that can relieve your family’s financial burden. Should your case ultimately go to trial in the Oklahoma County District Court, your attorney can represent you and advocate for your family.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Wrongful Death Laws

Who Pays Damages in a Wrongful Death Case in Edmond?

Every wrongful death case is unique. Defendants in these cases can be any party that was liable, even partially, for the deceased person’s death. For example, if a person passed away after a premises liability case, a wrongful death claim might name the business operating at the property, the property manager, or the business’s insurance company as defendants. Cases can have more than one defendant, as well.

Could My Wrongful Death Claim Go to Trial in Edmond?

It is possible that your wrongful death claim could proceed all the way through the trial phase in Edmond. However, this outcome is unlikely, especially if your case is strong. In most cases, defendants would rather avoid the time-consuming and expensive process of a courtroom trial in favor of an out-of-court settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Edmond?

In the state of Edmond, Oklahoma, you have two years after the date of a wrongful death to file a civil claim against the liable party or parties. After this window has passed, you can no longer file an action for the death. This is why it is important to contact an experienced attorney and begin making a plan to seek compensation as soon as you are able.

What if I Cannot Pay for an Attorney in Edmond?

Concerns over paying for an attorney’s services should not stop you from seeking justice for your deceased loved one and your family. Most lawyers who accept wrongful death cases in Edmond use a contingency fee structure for them. This means that you do not pay any up-front fees. Instead, if the attorney secures a settlement for you, they get a percentage as payment.

Contact Fulmer Sill Today

If you need help pursuing compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death, we at Fulmer Sill are ready to advocate for you. Contact us today to tell us about your situation and find out how we can help.