Oklahoma has specific personal injury laws and regulations that govern how personal injury cases are handled within the state. It’s essential to understand these laws if you’re involved in a personal injury claim in Oklahoma.
Here are some key personal injury laws and regulations in Oklahoma:
Statute of Limitations: In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including car accidents and slip and fall accidents, is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit; otherwise, your right to seek compensation may be forfeited.
Comparative Negligence: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible to recover damages.
Strict Liability: Oklahoma recognizes strict liability in certain cases, such as dog bite incidents. Under strict liability, a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s negligence.
No-Fault Insurance: Many personal injury cases stem from car accidents, where car insurance comes into play. Oklahoma is not a no-fault insurance state. Instead, it follows a traditional fault-based system, where the at-fault party’s insurance is generally responsible for compensating the injured party.
Dram Shop Liability: Oklahoma has dram shop laws that can hold establishments liable for injuries caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons in certain situations. This is relevant in instances of personal injury cases that stem from car accidents involving drunk drivers.
Damages: In Oklahoma, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other quantifiable financial losses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Caps on Damages: Oklahoma has placed caps on non-economic damages in certain types of personal injury cases, particularly medical malpractice cases. These caps limit the amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive for pain and suffering, but they do not apply to economic damages. This is why keeping your documentation and hiring an attorney is so important.
If you’re injured and believe the accident was not your fault, consult with an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help protect your legal rights and navigate the claims process. Understanding your rights and the relevant laws in Oklahoma personal injury claims is essential in making the best decisions at such a difficult time of your life.
Contact 1-8000-Injured, a medical and legal referral network, to connect with an Oklahoma personal injury attorney. An attorney in our vast network can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. Don’t delay; reach out right away to move your case forward.