Tulsa Wrongful Death Lawyers

Nothing prepares you for the loss of a loved one. When that loss may be connected to negligent behavior, it often leads to difficult questions about responsibility and what steps to take next.

At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, our Tulsa wrongful death attorneys help families manage the legal issues that follow these events while they navigate the personal impact of the loss. We address both the financial and emotional challenges that often arise. To discuss your circumstances and learn more about your legal options, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.

Why Families Choose Richardson Richardson Boudreaux

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux has represented Oklahoma families for more than 40 years. Our attorneys understand the legal and personal challenges that follow a wrongful death and approach each case with careful preparation and steady guidance. Our results reflect the work we invest in every case we represent.

• Over 100 years of combined experience among our attorneys
• Hundreds of jury trials handled in Oklahoma courts
• Reputation for fairness and persistence with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Comprehensive trial preparation that strengthens negotiation leverage
• Focus on client accessibility, communication, and individualized attention

We work to address the financial and emotional impact of a wrongful death while pursuing the compensation available under Oklahoma law.

Recent Wrongful Death Case Results

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux has secured significant recoveries for families throughout Oklahoma. Our work reflects the careful preparation that goes into each case.

• $20,000,000 wrongful death settlement
• $6,500,000 wrongful death settlement
• $1,100,000 auto accident and wrongful death settlement

These outcomes highlight our ability to pursue meaningful compensation for families facing life-changing losses.

What Sets Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Apart

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux brings more than four decades of service to families throughout Oklahoma. Our approach balances thorough preparation with steady, client-focused support that helps families move forward with clarity.

• Over 40 years of experience serving Oklahoma communities
• Every case prepared for trial from day one to strengthen negotiation and trial positioning
• More than 300 five-star reviews reflecting consistent client satisfaction
• Individualized attention and communication tailored to each family’s needs

This foundation allows our team to handle wrongful death claims with the structure and care these cases demand.

Our Client Stories And Testimonials

“I highly recommend RRB for anyone with anything as they applied professionalism and everything handled in a timely manner with lots of communication along the way. Brian Trent was great to my wife and I and we’re glad we worked with Brian and his team.” — Greyson G.

“Efficient and always in contact, and got me the best they could get me thank you for your service. Savanna was very helpful in handling my case.” — Lin M.

“I highly recommend them for getting help. They were quick to respond, efficient in communication, and very empathetic and supportive through a stressful process for me. Cecilia was absolutely incredible and kindhearted. Unfortunately my situation was one that was hard to handle and both Cecilia and Steve were extremely helpful and patient and constantly trying their best to get the best possible solution for me. Big thank you to RRB and their wonderful team.” — Kayla W.

How Do I Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Oklahoma?

Choosing legal representation after a loss is an important decision. You need a law firm that understands Oklahoma’s wrongful death laws and can guide your family through the process with clarity and steadiness.

When evaluating a wrongful death lawyer in Oklahoma, consider the following qualities:

• Experience with wrongful death cases. Look for a firm with a history of handling wrongful death and personal injury matters in Oklahoma.
• Knowledge of Oklahoma law. Your attorney should understand how the state’s wrongful death statute applies to damages and distribution.
• Clear communication. You should receive straightforward explanations about your case, the process, and what to expect.
• Trial readiness. Attorneys who prepare cases from the outset often create stronger negotiating positions.
• Transparent fees. Our personal injury attorneys at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and payment only if money is recovered.

The Importance of Securing Legal Representation From a Tulsa Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one creates emotional and practical challenges at the same time. Families often face medical bills, funeral arrangements, and ongoing uncertainty while trying to understand what happened.

If negligence may have contributed to the loss, meeting with our Tulsa wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your legal options. We review the facts, assess whether a claim may be possible, and explain the next steps clearly.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Oklahoma

A wrongful death claim in Oklahoma is a civil action brought when a person’s death is caused by another party’s wrongful act or failure to act. Under Oklahoma law, this type of claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the losses they experience because of the death.

If the person had survived, they would have had the right to pursue a personal injury claim. The wrongful death statute allows the family to bring that claim on their behalf.

Wrongful death cases in Oklahoma commonly involve:

• Fatal motor vehicle crashes, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Medical negligence that leads to fatal injuries
• Defective or unsafe products
• Abuse or neglect in nursing homes

A wrongful death claim focuses on the financial and personal impact of the loss and is separate from any criminal case that may also arise.

Causes of Wrongful Death in Oklahoma

Wrongful death claims in Oklahoma often arise from preventable events that lead to fatal injuries. While every situation is unique, certain causes appear frequently in cases filed under Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute.

• Motor vehicle collisions. Fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles remain one of the most common sources of wrongful death claims in Oklahoma.
• Medical negligence. Lapses in medical care that result in fatal injuries may lead to a wrongful death action under Oklahoma law.
• Defective or unsafe products. Faulty consumer products, vehicle components, medical devices, or equipment can cause fatal harm.
• Criminal acts. Intentional conduct, including assault or other violent acts, can also form the basis of a wrongful death claim.
• Death in a jail or prison. When a person dies in custody due to unconstitutional conditions or misconduct by jail or prison officials, families may pursue a federal civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

These categories reflect the types of conduct most often involved when families pursue a wrongful death action in Oklahoma.

What to Do After Wrongful Death in Oklahoma

If you believe your loved one’s death may involve negligence or wrongful conduct, gathering and preserving key information is important. Medical records, accident reports, communications, and receipts connected to the incident can all help support a future claim.

From there, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux can review the circumstances, determine what steps are appropriate, and guide your family through the process required to move forward.

Steps Involved in Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma

Filing a wrongful death claim in Oklahoma requires several structured steps. Each one plays a role in building the foundation of the case.

• Hire a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can file the wrongful death claim and help determine the next steps for your family.
• Collection of evidence. This includes records, reports, and other information relevant to liability and damages.
• Filing the lawsuit. The claim must be filed in civil court within the required time period.
• Case development and negotiation. The parties exchange information, assess the evidence, and explore resolution.
• Distribution of compensation. Any financial recovery is allocated to the eligible family members according to Oklahoma law.

Legal Grounds for Wrongful Death Claims in Oklahoma

Wrongful death cases in Oklahoma generally arise from three types of conduct. Understanding these categories can help families see how their situation may fit within Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute.

• Intentional acts. These cases involve deliberate conduct that causes fatal harm, such as assault or other intentional wrongdoing.
• Negligence. Many wrongful death claims involve carelessness that leads to a fatal incident, including motor vehicle collisions and other preventable events.
• Professional negligence. Fatal injuries can also stem from lapses in medical care or other professional services that fall below accepted standards, such as wrongful death in jails and prisons.

These categories reflect the legal theories that may support a wrongful death action and help determine how liability is evaluated under Oklahoma law.

How Criminal Charges Affect a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma

Criminal charges and wrongful death claims proceed independently in Oklahoma. A defendant may face criminal prosecution and still be the subject of a civil wrongful death action. Even if a criminal conviction does not occur, a civil claim may still move forward because the legal standards are different.

Criminal cases focus on punishment. A wrongful death claim focuses on the financial and personal losses experienced by surviving family members.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma?

Under 12 O.S. § 1053, a wrongful death claim in Oklahoma can be brought by a personal injury attorney, a relative who may be a spouse, parent, child, or other relatives, or a personal representative appointed by a court. The action is brought for the benefit of the surviving family members, which may include:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings

Oklahoma law governs how any recovery is allocated among beneficiaries.

An attorney should be consulted when deciding whether to have a personal representative appointed. Richardson Richardson Boudreaux will assist you with making these types of important decisions.

Key Legal Elements in an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Claim

Oklahoma law requires certain elements when bringing a claim for a wrongful death. These elements help establish whether another party’s conduct caused the fatal injury:

• A duty of care. The defendant must have owed a legal obligation to the deceased person.
• A breach of that duty. The defendant’s actions or inaction must have fallen below the standard of reasonable care.
• Causation. The breach must be shown to have directly led to the fatal injury.
• Damages. The death must have resulted in identifiable losses recognized under Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute.

These components form the basis of evaluating whether a claim can be pursued under Oklahoma law.

How Negligence Fits Into an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Claim

Negligence is often the basis for a wrongful death action in Oklahoma. After establishing the key legal elements, the claim must show that the defendant failed to act with reasonable care, that this breach directly caused the fatal injury, and that the death resulted in losses recognized under Oklahoma law. This framework guides how liability is evaluated and helps determine whether a claim can proceed.

The Burden of Proof in an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Case

In Oklahoma, a wrongful death claim must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the evidence must show it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused the fatal injury. This civil standard differs from the higher burden used in criminal cases.

Evidence commonly used to support liability includes:

• Medical records and autopsy findings
• Police or accident reports
• Eyewitness accounts
• Opinions from qualified experts
• Documentation related to financial losses and funeral costs
• Pain and suffering of the decedent and the grief and loss of family members

This evidence helps establish how the death occurred and who may be legally responsible under Oklahoma law.

Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s statute of limitations gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, the time to file a lawsuit may be longer than two years. Consulting an attorney immediately to assist in determining the amount of time available to file a lawsuit is extremely important. Missing this deadline typically prevents the case from moving forward, making it important to evaluate the facts and determine the appropriate next steps within that period.

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux can assess your situation, identify what must be done to preserve the claim, and guide your family through the process required under Oklahoma law.

Available Damages in an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Case

Families may recover several types of damages in a wrongful death action under Oklahoma law. A wrongful death settlement should reflect both the financial impact of the loss and the personal harm experienced by surviving family members.

• Medical expenses. Costs related to the final injury or treatment.
• Lost wages and expected earnings. Income the deceased would have contributed to the household.
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for the emotional impact and grief experienced by the family.
• Loss of consortium and companionship. The loss of the relationship, guidance, and support provided by the deceased.
• Funeral and burial costs. Reasonable expenses associated with final arrangements.

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux evaluates each category of damages to determine what may be pursued under Oklahoma law and the specific circumstances of your case.

Dedicated Support for Families Facing Wrongful Death in Oklahoma

Losing a loved one because of another party’s negligent actions creates emotional and financial strain that no family is prepared for. A wrongful death claim offers a way to pursue accountability while seeking compensation for the losses your family has experienced.

Richardson Richardson Boudreaux provides steady guidance throughout the process, helping families understand their options and move forward with clarity. Our Tulsa wrongful death attorneys are committed to protecting your family’s rights from the start of the case through its resolution.

To discuss your situation and the next steps available to your family, contact our team at 918-888-8000 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.