Understanding personal injury laws in Oklahoma City can save you a lot of issues. If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Oklahoma City, you may have the right to seek compensation under Oklahoma’s personal injury laws. Whether the injury was in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace incident, or medical malpractice case, it is essential to understand how personal injury claims work, what damages you can recover, and the deadlines for filing a lawsuit.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when a person suffers physical, emotional, or financial harm due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The purpose of personal injury law is to hold the at-fault party accountable and provide compensation to the injured person. Common personal injury cases in Oklahoma City include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries.
To succeed in a personal injury case, you must prove that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care (e.g., drivers must follow traffic laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions).
- They breached that duty through negligence or wrongdoing.
- Their actions caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering).
All 4 of these factors must be provable for a case to be valid.
Oklahoma’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
If you were partially at fault, courts reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault in a car accident and suffered $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you could recover $80,000.
Damages You Can Recover in an Oklahoma Personal Injury Case
If you file a successful personal injury claim, you may be entitled to different types of compensation (damages):
1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses (current and future medical bills)
- Lost wages (if you missed work due to your injury)
- Loss of earning capacity (if the injury affects your ability to work in the future)
- Property damage (such as vehicle repair costs in a car accident case)
2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress (anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the injury)
3. Punitive Damages (in Cases of Gross Negligence or Misconduct)
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case but may apply if the at-fault party’s actions were intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent (e.g., drunk driving accidents). These damages hope to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorneys
If you were injured in Oklahoma City due to someone else’s negligence, understanding personal injury laws, compensation options, and deadlines is essential for protecting your rights. The two-year statute of limitations means you must act quickly to file your claim. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney can improve your chances of securing maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering.
If you believe you have a personal injury claim, our team at Kania Law – OKC Attorneys can help. Call us today at 405-367-8710 or ask a question online.
