Early this month, 24-year-old Stephanie Melgoza was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI and two counts of aggravated reckless driving. Visibly intoxicated at the scene of the accident, she asked responding police officers, “So, I don’t go to school tomorrow is what you’re telling me?”
Their response: “No. ma’am. You want me to be honest with you? You’re going to jail. You don’t have a bond. You killed two people tonight.” Melgoza was speeding at the time she fatally struck Paul Prowant (55) and Andrea Rosewicz (43) as they crossed a street in Peoria, Illinois. Bodycam footage documenting Melgoza’s exchange with the officers has since gone viral.
If you have lost a loved one due to the wrongful acts of another person, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons will not rest until you and your loved ones receive the justice and accountability you deserve. Call us today at (405) 835-6982 or visit us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil lawsuit filed when someone is killed due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person. To recover compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit, plaintiffs must first prove the at-fault party’s responsibility by a preponderance of the evidence.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, this may be an easy or difficult burden to satisfy. Either way, surviving loved ones of the deceased will need to gather evidence to support their claims, such as witness statements, medical records, and police reports. Our legal team is standing by to help.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate holds the legal authority to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for wrongful death. A personal representative may be appointed in the decedent’s will or by a court in the absence of a will.
What Compensation Can You Secure Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Though no amount of money can truly compensate for the death of a loved one, Oklahoma law nonetheless makes clear that surviving family members can receive a wide variety of compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This may include compensation for things like:
- Medical and burial expenses of the decedent.
- The loss of consortium and the grief of the decedent’s surviving spouse.
- The mental pain and anguish suffered by the decedent.
- The monetary loss to survivors, which may be calculated based on things like the age, occupation, earning capacity, health habits, and probable duration of the decedent’s life.
- The grief and loss of companionship of the decedent’s children and parents.
In particularly egregious cases of misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party. The legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons is ready to investigate the facts of your case and make sure no sources of compensation are overlooked.
Consult With an Oklahoma Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you lost a loved one to a wrongful death, you should not hesitate to have your case evaluated by an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, our legal team has a proven track record of success helping injury victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve.
Call us today at (405) 835-6982 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case and let you know how we can help. There is no upfront cost to have your case reviewed by one of our compassionate attorneys, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
