
Losing a family member is an unimaginable tragedy that can leave families overwhelmed and seeking justice. A wrongful death can happen due to someone else's negligence or intentional harm. It can trigger emotional and financial burdens for the surviving family members.
One of the pressing questions families often ask is, "How much is a wrongful death lawsuit worth?" At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, we do not think anyone should settle for anything less than their case is truly worth.
The worth of a wrongful death lawsuit varies greatly depending on several factors, such as the circumstances surrounding the death and the financial impact on the family. While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, wrongful death settlements can help alleviate financial stress.
Knowing what influences the wrongful death settlement amount is essential. This article will explore what wrongful death lawsuits are and how their value is determined.
What Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought by the surviving family members. It is brought on behalf of someone who has died due to another person's negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits hold the liable party accountable by seeking compensation for the losses suffered by the family.
Wrongful death cases can happen in various situations. Common examples include car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace incidents.
In Oklahoma, wrongful death lawsuits are governed by specific statutes that outline who can file a claim and what damages can be recovered. The goal is to provide financial support to the family members left behind and to deter negligent behavior.
Wrongful death settlements can help cover expenses, such as funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. The settlement amount depends on various factors that can influence the average settlement families receive.
By pursuing a wrongful death suit, families can find a sense of closure and justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit typically belongs to the estate's representative. This representative is typically a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, or adult child.
The wrongful death claim is submitted for all the surviving family members who are entitled to recover damages. Knowing who can file is vital to ensuring the wrongful death claim is processed correctly.
Surviving family members may include spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings. It all depends on the circumstances. These individuals can benefit from wrongful death settlements. They compensate for both economic and non-economic losses.
Consult with experienced wrongful death attorneys in Oklahoma. They can help determine eligibility and guide the family through the wrongful death lawsuit process.
Factors That Influence the Value of a Wrongful Death Case
Several factors can affect how much a wrongful death case is worth. Awareness of these can help in estimating the potential wrongful death settlement amount. A few key factors include:
Economic losses.
This covers the financial contributions the deceased would have made, such as lost wages and benefits. It also covers funeral expenses and medical bills related to the death lawsuit.
Non-economic losses.
These are intangible damages like pain and suffering, loss of relationships, and emotional distress. They are harder to quantify but greatly affect the surviving family members.
Circumstances of the death.
The specific details of how the wrongful death occurred can influence the case. Factors like negligence levels and intent can affect the wrongful death lawsuit payout.
Age and health of the deceased.
The deceased person's age, health, and life expectancy play a role. Younger individuals or those in strong health may lead to higher wrongful death settlements.
Legal representation.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can maximize compensation. They can effectively negotiate and present the case to ensure a fair settlement amount.
All these factors combined determine the overall value of a wrongful death claim. Consulting with wrongful death attorneys can provide a clearer picture of what to expect from the death lawsuit.
Categories of Damages Available in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In wrongful death lawsuits, surviving family members can seek various damages. These damages are designed to compensate for both financial and emotional devastation in wrongful death cases.
Medical expenses.
Covers the cost of medical care before the death lawsuit. This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, and other medical treatment expenses incurred due to the incident.
Funeral and burial costs:
This compensation covers the expenses of laying the deceased to rest. These costs can be substantial and add financial strain on the family, affecting the wrongful death settlement.
Lost wages and benefits.
Reflects the income the deceased would have earned if they had lived. This also includes potential pensions and retirement benefits.
Loss of companionship.
Addresses the emotional impact of losing a loved one. It compensates for the loss of love, care, and guidance in wrongful death cases.
Pain and suffering.
Accounts for the physical and emotional pain stemming from the death. This is considered non-economic damage and is significant in wrongful death settlements.
Understanding these damages helps calculate the wrongful death settlement amount. A skilled wrongful death attorney can help evaluate each category. The goal is to achieve a fair average settlement.
Calculating Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
Calculating damages in a wrongful death claim is challenging. Economic damages, including quantifiable losses like medical bills and lost pay, are easier to quantify.
Non-economic damages, including emotional pain and loss of relationships, are more subjective. These factors contribute to the average settlement in wrongful death cases.
How Economic Damages Are Quantified
Economic damages are calculated based on actual financial losses from the death lawsuit. This includes the deceased's expected future earnings, benefits, and contributions to the household. Experts may use economic data to project these losses over the deceased's expected lifetime.
Accurate quantification of economic damages is crucial for a fair wrongful death settlement. It affects the overall wrongful death settlement amount.
Methods for Estimating Non-Economic Damages
Estimating non-economic damages in a wrongful death suit is more complex. These damages compensate for intangible losses like emotional pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. Courts may use various methods, such as the multiplier method, to assign a monetary value to these losses.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help present these damages effectively to maximize the wrongful death settlement.
Role of Expert Witnesses in Determining Financial Impact
Expert witnesses play a vital role in wrongful death claims by providing professional insights. Economists can project future earnings and financial contributions of the deceased.
Medical experts might testify about the pain and suffering endured before death. These testimonies help establish the extent of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Having credible expert witnesses strengthens the wrongful death case. They provide objective evidence that can influence the settlement amount, and their analysis can be critical during negotiations or trial proceedings.
Working with wrongful death attorneys ensures the right experts are engaged for the case. Remember that wrongful death cases must be submitted within 2 years of the person in question's death.
Role of an Attorney in Maximizing Compensation

An experienced wrongful death attorney is indispensable in pursuing maximum compensation. They know the legal process and can work through difficult wrongful death lawsuits. Attorneys collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for the family's rights.
Their expertise can change the outcome of your wrongful death claim. We help you maximize your wrongful death settlement.
Gathering Evidence to Prove Negligence and Damages
Attorneys collect vital evidence to build a strong wrongful death case. They gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Proving negligence is necessary for a successful wrongful death lawsuit. Comprehensive evidence supports the claim and helps secure a fair wrongful death settlement.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies for Fair Settlements
Insurance companies often aim to minimize the payout in a wrongful death settlement. An experienced wrongful death attorney negotiates assertively on behalf of the family. They know the tactics used by insurers and can counter them effectively. This helps ensure the family receives a fair average wrongful death settlement.
Representing You in Court if the Case Proceeds to Trial
The wrongful death suit may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Your attorney will fight for you in court, explaining the evidence and arguing your case. They strive to prove negligence and justify the compensation sought. Court representation is crucial for achieving justice in wrongful death cases.
Contact Our Tulsa Wrongful Death Lawyer For a Free Case Consultation

Going through a wrongful death is emotionally and financially challenging. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, your case always comes first. We do our best for our clients. Our experienced wrongful death attorney is here to help you navigate this difficult time.
We are dedicated to recovering the compensation you need through diligent legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your wrongful death claim.