Wrongful Death

A 60-year-old driver was killed when his Mack truck collided with a train and caught fire. According to The Associated Press, the fatal train accident occurred at U.S. Highway 64 and Oklahoma Highway 108 in Perry. Officials say the driver was turning when his truck was hit on the driver’s side by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train. He was trapped inside the burning wreckage and fatally injured. No injuries were reported on the train. It is unclear why the accident occurred or if the location had functioning railroad crossing warning signs.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis compiles data regarding railroad accidents throughout the country. According to a May 10 search of their records, there were 160 railroad accidents and incidents in Oklahoma in the year 2012. During that same year there were 45 train accidents, three train accident deaths, and one train accident injury in Oklahoma. Human factors were the cause of 13 accidents and 18 accidents were caused by track conditions.

The size of trains makes them capable of causing fatal or catastrophic injuries at even low speeds. Whenever a fatal crash occurs, there are many questions that must be answered. Was the train operator inattentive or otherwise careless? Were the tracks poorly maintained? Were the safety devices in proper working order? Did the improper maintenance of the train contribute to the crash?

Depending on the nature and circumstances of the crash, it may be possible to hold various parties liable for injuries, damages, and losses suffered in train accidents. The experienced wrongful death attorneys at the Maples Law Firm help families of fatal train accident victims get fair compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. If you have suffered a loss in an Oklahoma accident, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 to discuss your legal rights and options.

When a collision occurs between a bicycle and another larger vehicle, the consequences are often catastrophic or fatal for the person who is on the bicycle. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 716 bicyclists were killed in the year 2008. Of those fatally injured victims, four were killed in Oklahoma. When a bicycle accident fatality occurs as the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, financial compensation may be available for the victim’s family.

A wrongful death claim in Oklahoma is a civil lawsuit that the family of a deceased bicycle accident victim can file against the at-fault party. However, proving that a driver’s negligence caused or contributed to a fatal car accident can be a challenging process. It is important to remember that a driver does not have to face citations or criminal charges in order to be held financially accountable for a fatal bicycle accident.

There are a number of questions that must be asked following a fatal bicycle accident. Was the driver distracted due to using a cell phone or texting? Was the driver fatigued? Was the motorist speeding or making a dangerous lane change? Were there any witnesses to the collision? Were there any security cameras in the area that captured the incident?

A bicycle accident investigation, like any other accident probe, can become lengthy and complex. Investigators may have to sift through conflicting eyewitness testimony and other evidence before arriving at a conclusion. Families of bicycle accident victims may be left with a number of unanswered questions in the aftermath of a crash. It is important that they seek out the legal support they need during this time to ensure that their rights are protected.

A 24-year-old man, a storm chaser who has been featured on the Weather Channel, died in an Oklahoma auto accident after he was hit by a wrong-way driver. According to an Associated Press news report, the man’s vehicle was struck by a driver who was going the wrong direction on the Turner Turnpike in Sapulpa. Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials say alcohol was a factor in this head-on collision. Two other cars were also involved. Those drivers did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under Oklahoma law. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 738 fatal crashes in Oklahoma in 2009, of which 265 (or 36 percent) involved alcohol. Also, 32 percent of the drunk drivers involved in these fatal car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.

Families of deceased DUI victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and other damages. In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause.

If you have lost a loved one in an Oklahoma car accident involving a drunk or negligent driver, the experienced Oklahoma car crash wrongful death lawyers at The Maples Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 42-year-old male U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) worker was killed in an Oklahoma car accident after a vehicle veered into a construction zone and struck him. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal accident occurred along U.S. Highway 75 in Ramona. Officials say the worker was standing on the centerline in a construction zone when a vehicle driven by a Skiatook resident veered left and struck him. The DOT employee sustained massive injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle was treated for head injuries. It is not clear if the motorist will be cited for the fatal crash.

Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, financial compensation may be available for the deceased victim’s family through workers’ compensation benefits. In cases where a party other than the employer is at fault, the family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation as well.

A wrongful death is when someone’s negligence or wrongdoing results in fatal injuries. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, driving distracted, driving under the influence, and driving inattentively. A skilled wrongful death attorney will stay abreast of the official investigation to ensure that the best interests and rights of the victim’s family are protected.

The knowledgeable Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys with the Maples Law Firm have years of experience handling a wide range of fatal accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job or has been hurt by a negligent driver, please call our offices at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free consultation.

New preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that fatalities in the Oklahoma work place rose during 2010. The data exhibits that 91 deaths occurred on the job in the state last year, an 11 percent jump from the 82 work place deaths that the Labor Department reported in 2009. On the national scale, over 4,500 occupational deaths were documented in 2010, within close range of the number of deaths in 2009.

Why the rise in on the job fatalities in Oklahoma? As reported by News OK, the rise may be deceiving according to one official with the Labor Statistics Bureau. Cheryl Abbot, an economist with the agency based in Dallas, told the website that although the rise “was substantial, the number of fatalities was in line with 2002 through 2008 and it’s actually the sharp decline in 2009 that is unusual.” She attributed the 2009 drop to a swell of unemployment during the economic recession’s peak.

According to the numbers, the construction industry produced 24 deaths, among the largest in the state. One positive note in the negative data was the significant drop in highway-related job fatalities from 34 to 21 between 2009 and 2010. Deaths in the workplace in Oklahoma range from a recorded peak of 200 in 1995 (the year of the Oklahoma City bombing) to a low of 75 in 1998. 27 other states and Washington, D.C. reported a rising number of fatalities for 2010. The 2010 numbers are considered preliminary until the final report is made public in the spring of 2012. If your loved one has been killed in a workplace accident, contact the Oklahoma City wrongful death attorneys with Maples Law Firm at (888) 226-6159 for a free case review today.

A 30-year-old man was killed in a two-car accident on Harrah Road near SE 59th street in Oklahoma City on Saturday night, according to NewsOK. The man was driving north on Harrah Road when he and another car, which was southbound, collided head-on. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Two adults and two children in the other car were injured; the adults are in critical condition. Oklahoma City police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), there have been between 267 and 1,070 traffic accident fatalities in the state yearly, from 1937-2009. The lowest number of 267 occurred in 1943, the highest of 1,070 occurred in 1982. In 2009, 737 people were killed in Oklahoma traffic accidents. Although 737 is a decrease from the1982 statistic, it is still a great number of lives lost and families torn apart. These accidents took children away from their parents, husbands from their wives, and sisters from their brothers, while causing many financial and emotional hardships.

The families of victims who died at the fault of another in an Oklahoma car accident have the rights and resources to seek justice in the form of an Oklahoma car accident wrongful death claim. If you or a loved has suffered a family loss due to the negligent driving of another, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. With the help of a dedicated Oklahoma auto accident wrongful death attorney, you may recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and other losses.

At Maples Law Firm, LLP, our knowledgeable Oklahoma City wrongful death lawyers know that the death of a loved one can be an emotionally traumatic and financially difficult time. We will work diligently and compassionately to hold the negligent parties accountable for your losses so that you may receive the compensation your family deserves. Please call us for a free consultation at 1-888-226-6159.

A fatal accident took the life of a 17-year old Arkansas teen last week, reported KJRH.com. The girl was traveling with two friends in a Toyota Yaris when a white truck making a left hand turn collided with the vehicle. It is unclear whether the girl was driving or if it was another occupant of the Yaris. The fatal accident happened at the intersection of North Utica and Pine Ave. in Tulsa. The 17-year old was pronounced dead at the scene, police officials said. The other two teens as well as the driver of the truck were taken to a local area hospital with one admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The extent of their injuries was not immediately available.

An investigation into the circumstances of this fatal Oklahoma car accident will reveal the cause. Other news sources reporting on this story say that the driver of the truck may have been drinking. If the driver is found to have been under the influence of alcohol, he could be found liable for the wrongful death of the teen as well as damages and injuries sustained by the other two Arkansas teens.

If you have lost a loved one in an Oklahoma wrongful death accident, you have legal rights. An experienced wrongful death accident attorney understands the difficult time that you and your family are experiencing and can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. The sudden loss of a loved one can have a devastating impact on those left behind. The loss of a help, loss of income, loss of companionship and other losses may be suffered. The compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated Oklahoma City wrongful death car accident attorneys at Maples Law Firm can help determine the at-fault party and hold them liable for the loss of your loved one. To learn more about your legal rights, call our office today at (888) 429-0609.

According to an article from the Oklahoman online, a medivac helicopter crashed during a flight to Okeene, OK to pick up a medical patient for transport. The helicopter carried a medical crew of three people, one pilot and two nurses.

Both the pilot and one of the nurses died when the helicopter crashed and burned four miles southeast of the destination. One investigator believes the third crew member may have survived because he was ejected from the helicopter as it crashed.

EagleMed is the corporation that owns the helicopter, which was a Eurocopter AS350 model manufactured in 1998. The pilot had 10 years of experience working for EagleMed.

The third crew member, the sole survivor of the helicopter crash, was hospitalized in critical condition at Oklahoma University Medical Center with orthopedic injuries. Investigators have been unable to interview him about the cause of the crash because of the extent of his injuries.

Investigators are examining clues such as helicopter scraps and charred ground, to try to determine reasons behind the helicopter crash. Authorities expect that a formal report will be completed within 6 to 9 months. However, the National Transportation and Safety Board will require another 2-3 months to issue information about the probable cause of the Oklahoma City helicopter crash.

One television reporter suggested that the third crew member warned of problems with the helicopter door. The reporter said that a piece of the helicopter door damaged the helicopter rotor prior to the crash. However, investigators have not confirmed the validity of this information.

The helicopter crash marks the fifth in a series of medical helicopter crashes in Oklahoma resulting in the severe injuries and deaths of medivac crews. Some helicopter crashes occur because of defective parts created by negligent manufacturers. Unfortunately, when a manufacturer is careless, innocent people sometimes get hurt.

In these cases, the Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys of Maples Law Firm work to get their clients the compensation they deserve for their injuries. With over a decade of legal experience, our attorneys understand the nature and complexity of wrongful death and personal injury cases. For your free legal consultation, contact Maples Law Firm today at 1-888-429-0609.

An article from the Oklahoman reports that a southern Illinois coal miner was killed when he was struck by a shuttle car that transported coal into the mine. Investigators say that the miner was a section foreman employee. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) had previously fined the miner’s employer $230,000 for past mine violations. The current workplace wrongful death is still under investigation.

The mine will be shut down until the investigation of the miner’s death is completed. The foreman’s death marks the 41st death related to a mining accident for 2010.

From 2006-2007, the MSHA reported 69 deaths and 11, 800 injuries for coal mining and non-metal mining industries. In 2009, the US saw a record low of only 18 coal mining deaths.

Coal mining workplace accidents can create life or death situations for employees who usually spend long hours in constricted conditions given the nature of their jobs. However, the employers of coal mining corporations have a greater duty to ensure that their neglectful actions do not lead to the harm of their workers. In some cases, they fail to adhere to this duty, and people suffer as a result.

The Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys of Maples Law Firm provide competent, skilled legal representation against cases involving corporate negligence. We provide strong legal support at a time when our clients may feel most vulnerable. If you have lost a loved one in a mining accident, or any other work-related accident, call our office today for a free consultation at 1-888-429-0609.

According to an online article in The Oklahoman, a 30-year-old man was killed in a work related accident at a lime plant. The employee was pulled into a grinder machine used for grinding lime and other minerals for a lime plant corporation as three men performed maintenance on the machine. The employee was killed instantly during the on-the-job accident.

Based on the report, rescue workers had to partially dismantle the machine in order to recover the employee’s body. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Mine and Safety Health Administration. Statistics from the Oklahoma State Department of Health indicate that 21% of occupational fatalities were due to machine-related deaths between 1998 and 2006.

Families who lose loved ones in work related accidents caused by another person’s negligence may be able to seek financial assistance through workers’ compensation benefits. However, in some instances, a wrongful death lawsuit may also be filed if a third party is determined to hold accountability.

The wrongful death attorneys of Maples Law Firm have extensive experience in obtaining compensation for family members of wrongful death victims. While no amount of money will ever replace the loss of a loved one, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and even lost earnings can help a family get back on their feet.

At Maples Law Firm, our Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys handle wrongful death cases caused by workplace accidents, auto accidents, medical malpractice, dangerous products, and more. Wrongful death litigation requires skillful representation and lawyers willing to provide the best possible legal solutions for their clients. While legal compensation may not completely ease the pain of a loved one’s death, our wrongful death attorneys can help families recover a form of peace through holding negligent individuals or groups accountable for unsafe premises.

For a free consultation, contact the wrongful death attorneys of Maples Law Firm today at 1-888-429-0609, or visit our website at http://www.mapleslawokc.com to submit a free online case evaluation.