Oklahoma Wrongful Death

Monetary Damages

Upon our initial consultation with new clients, the subject of monetary damages is always discussed. In Oklahoma, if you have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent party there are two types of compensation that can be awarded to your case. These are termed compensatory damages and punitive damages. Why two different types of monetary damages? This is a great question and in our legal system it is designed to compensate an individual for costs related to the offense but if there are extraneous circumstances there is a possibility for additional consideration. This consideration depends on the case and the jury or judge’s decision. If a jury wants to set an example of the behavior then they have an option to award additional damages or what is termed punitive damages.

Compensatory Damages

Also called Actual Damages, compensatory money damages are projected to make you "complete." Legally this means that the judge will award you damages equal to the costs you have incurred during the event. For example, if your loved one died in a car accident, the compensatory damages would normally equal the market value of the car at the time of its destruction. They would also include items related to the funeral and potentially hospital bills incurred as a result to the accident.

Punitive Damages

In Oklahoma with wrongful death lawsuits or accidental deaths the judge can also consider the defendant’s conduct. If this conduct is found to be intentional, willful, wanton or malicious, the courts could permit an award of punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and to discourage the conduct of a similar type.

To schedule a wrongful death consultation please call our firm toll-free at 877-382-9734 or complete the web form provided and a representative of the firm will call you as soon as possible.

At The Hershewe Law Firm we offer free initial consultations to our clients in order evaluate your case and to answer any questions you might have regarding potential outcomes to your wrongful death claim.