Oklahoma Wrongful Death Lawyers
Gentle, steady help for families who lost someone because of another person’s carelessness. Free, confidential consultations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and across Oklahoma.
We are so sorry for your loss
When someone dies because of another person’s or a company’s carelessness, Oklahoma law allows the family to bring a wrongful death claim. Nothing can replace the person you lost. A claim can hold the people responsible to account and ease some of the financial weight that falls on a family, from funeral costs to the loss of a paycheck the household depended on.
Wrongful death claims are part of our personal injury work across Oklahoma. Our all-female team includes two attorneys, Laurie Koller, who has practiced law since 1991, and Laura Martinez, who speaks Spanish and can talk with families in either language.
You do not need to understand the law or have every answer before you call. Many families reach out while they are still planning a funeral. We will go slowly and explain things in plain words.
Take the time you need to grieve. When you have questions, we are here.
Talk to us
Free, confidential consultation
Consultations are free and confidential. We can talk by phone or meet in person, and there is no pressure to decide anything right away.
Cases we handle
Losses we help families with
Property owners whose poor security let an attack happen.
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Who can bring a wrongful death claim
Oklahoma allows one wrongful death lawsuit for each death, and it is usually brought by the personal representative of the person’s estate. The personal representative is often a spouse, a grown child or a parent, appointed through the court. The case is brought on behalf of the family, and the law decides how any recovery is shared among the people it protects.
If no one has been appointed yet, that is common, and it is not too late to ask questions. We can explain how the appointment works and what it means for your family. Because only one case is allowed, it helps for family members to talk with one lawyer together rather than separately.
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What a wrongful death claim can cover
A wrongful death claim can cover both the costs the family now carries and the loss itself. That may include medical bills from the final injury, funeral and burial costs, the income and support the person would have provided, the loss of their companionship and guidance, and the grief and mental pain of the family left behind.
When the death was caused by extreme misconduct, such as drunk driving or very high speed, punitive damages may also be possible. Every case is different, and we will talk honestly with you about what applies to yours. To start that conversation, call (918) 221-3861.
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How long a family has to file
In most cases, Oklahoma gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The rule is in Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute. Some claims have shorter deadlines or extra steps, for example when a city, county or state agency may be responsible. Please talk to a lawyer about your deadline.
Two years can pass quickly while a family is grieving. Evidence fades sooner than that: crash data, video and witness memories can be lost within weeks. Reaching out early does not commit you to anything, but it can protect your options.
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Taking the next step at your own pace
You are allowed to grieve first. When you are ready, we can handle the insurance calls, gather police and medical records, and answer the questions that keep you up at night. Many wrongful death cases come from wrecks, and our pages on semi and 18-wheeler crashes and car wreck cases explain how fault is proven.
When you would like to talk, reach our team here or call (918) 221-3861. We will listen first.
Take the time you need to grieve. When you have questions, we are here.
How we work
How we care for grieving families
01
We go at your pace
We know you are grieving. We schedule around services, family and the hard days.
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We carry the weight
We deal with insurers, records and court filings so your family does not have to.
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We explain in plain words
You will understand each step, who is involved and what each choice means.
Compensation
What a wrongful death case can recover
No amount of money can replace a person. A claim can lift some of the burden and recognize what the family lost. Depending on the case, that may include:
- Medical bills from the final injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Grief and mental pain of the family
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct
Client reviews
What families say
Our family is so grateful for the services that this team provided when no one else would. Thank you for sticking with us and for getting justice for our brother.
This team is capable and leaves no stone unturned. The best decision I made was hiring this team for my case.
Knowledgeable, honest, experienced, compassionate, determined. Laurie is the first attorney I'll call for legal advice and guidance. Without question, I'm all in.
Common questions
Questions families ask us
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Usually the personal representative of the person's estate. Oklahoma allows one wrongful death lawsuit for each death, brought on behalf of the family. If no personal representative has been appointed yet, we can explain how that step works and who in the family may serve. Family members do not each need to file their own case.
How long do we have to file?
In most cases, Oklahoma gives families two years from the date of death. Some claims, such as those involving a government agency, have shorter deadlines or notice steps. Please talk to a lawyer about your deadline, and know that evidence can be lost long before the deadline arrives. Reaching out early protects your options and costs nothing.
What if the person responsible is also facing criminal charges?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case and is separate from any criminal case. The family can bring it whether or not there are charges, and whether or not the criminal case ends in a conviction. In some cases the civil case moves forward while the criminal case is still open. A civil case can also name companies, not only individuals.
Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases end in a settlement. Some go to trial. Either way, we prepare each case as if it may be tried, and we will talk with your family before any major decision is made. Your family will always know where the case stands, and we will explain what a trial would ask of you before you decide.
What does it cost to talk with you?
Consultations are free and confidential. You can ask questions, learn your options and take time to decide. We will explain how a case would work before you agree to anything. We can meet by phone or in person, at a time that works around your family, and Laura Martinez can talk with your family in Spanish.
Related practice areas
Other ways we help
Personal Injury
Car wrecks, truck wrecks and serious injury claims across Oklahoma.
Truck Wrecks
Crashes with semis and 18-wheelers, where several companies may be responsible.
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