FAQs about Personal Injuries in Oklahoma City

Whether you or a loved one were involved in an auto accident, medical malpractice, fatal traffic collision, or other personal injury accident, Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC can provide the insight and effective representation you need to protect your right to recover. Call our office at (405) 705-5050 for a free consultation as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the lower your chances of obtaining your rightful compensatory award.

Q: Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?

A: If you believe that your accident is the result of another’s careless actions or intentional wrongdoing, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party for the damages you have suffered. As soon as you have received medical assistance, it is important to contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your legal options. Unlike insurance providers, a personal injury lawyer can provide professional legal advice and act on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected. In many cases, injured victims may be preoccupied with their recovery and financial concerns that holding the negligent party accountable falls to the wayside and they accept a lowball settlement offered by the insurance provider. Reach out to an Oklahoma City attorney right away to ensure that you get the justice you deserve and the full and fair financial reimbursement you need.

Q: What damages may be recovered with a personal injury claim?

A: Every personal injury case is different and the types of damages you may be entitled to recover depend on the circumstances of your accident and the damages sustained. Typically, damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages are based on quality of life issues, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and mental anguish. It can be difficult to prove the extent of the non-economic damages you may have suffered; therefore, it is crucial to have a highly-experienced and resourceful attorney on your side.

Q: How soon should I make a claim for my injuries?

A: As soon as possible. The statute of limitations for when you may legally pursue compensation for a personal injury accident varies from state to state; however, it is always a good idea to consult with a qualified attorney sooner rather than later. It may be necessary to collect time-sensitive evidence, eyewitness testimony, and police reports, and the longer you wait, the less likely valuable information will be available.

Q: Who may be liable for medical costs resulting from a dog bite injury?

A: Under Oklahoma § 4-42-1, the dog owner may be held accountable for damages in a dog bite case if the dog bites or injures a person, the injured person did not provoke the dog, and the injured person was in a place that he or she was lawfully allowed to be. As a strict liability state, dog owners are liable for damages that his or her dog causes regardless of whether s/he was aware of the danger the dog posed.

Q: Can I recover damages for injuries sustained on another person’s property?

A: In the state of Oklahoma, landlords and property owners are legally obligated to ensure that the property is reasonably safe for residents, visitors, and employees. If the landlord or property owner is negligent and creates a safety hazard or allows a dangerous condition to exist without warning others, he or she may be held accountable for the resulting accident injuries. It is important to note that property owners are not required to guarantee others’ total safety on the property, but he or she must take reasonable measures to prevent accidents from occurring.

In order to have a valid premises liability claim, it will be necessary to prove that the property owner or landlord knew about or had constructive notice of a danger, such as faulty handrails, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or loose floor tiles, and did not warn others or fix the hazard.

Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim?

A: In Oklahoma, unless the deceased person appointed a personal representative in his or her estate, usually a spouse or a parent, the court will name a personal representative who may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. In many cases, the deceased person’s spouse, parents, children, or siblings may be allowed to pursue the claim, although it is not necessary in the state of Oklahoma. Speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights after the death of a loved one.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.