If you’re dealing with personal injury in Oklahoma City, you need to know your options in case you need to file a legal claim. Similarly, if you’ve suffered a serious injury after an accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. This article is designed to provide you with a complete guide to Oklahoma City personal injury law.
What is personal injury law in Oklahoma City?
Understanding personal injury law
Personal injury law is a legal field that involves cases where someone suffers a bodily injury or emotional distress as the result of someone else’s negligence. It’s also referred as tort law. The purpose is to ensure that the injured person gets financial compensation that covers the cost of medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and other damages.
What qualifies as a personal injury?
There are many situations that could lead to a personal injury claim in Oklahoma City. Car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse are just a few examples where someone may need the help of a personal injury lawyer to recover damages.
What types of personal injury cases are commonly seen in Oklahoma City?
Personal injury claims can arise from a wide variety of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability claims, and medical malpractice cases. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases seen in Oklahoma City include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slips and falls
- Dog bites
- Product liability claims
Why do I need a personal injury attorney?
Can I handle my personal injury case myself?
In theory, you can handle your personal injury case yourself. However, it’s not recommended. An experienced personal injury attorney will be more familiar with the process, what needs to be done, and how to represent you effectively. They know exactly how to negotiate with insurance companies and how to navigate the legal system.
What can a personal injury attorney do for me?
A personal injury attorney can help you in many ways, such as:
- Investigating your case
- Negotiating with the insurance company or the defending party
- Filing legal paperwork
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Advising you on the best course of action
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that instead of charging an upfront fee, they take a percentage of your compensation if you win the case, typically between 33-40%. You won’t have to worry about legal fees unless you receive a settlement or go to trial.
How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma?
What are the qualities of a good personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma?
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, some qualities to look for include:
- Experience in handling cases similar to yours
- Good communication skills
- Availability and responsiveness
- Proven track record of success
- Client testimonials
How do I research potential personal injury attorneys?
You can research potential personal injury attorneys by asking for referrals from friends or family, checking out online reviews, and looking into verdicts and settlements that the attorney has obtained for past clients.
What questions should I ask during my consultation with a personal injury lawyer?
During a consultation with a personal injury attorney, you should ask about their experience handling cases similar to yours, their success rate, their fees, and what the legal process will entail for your specific case.
What can I expect during the personal injury claim process?
What steps should I take after being injured in an accident?
After being injured in an accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Once you’re stable, consider contacting a personal injury attorney to guide you through the claims process.
How do insurance companies handle personal injury claims?
Insurance companies will typically try to minimize their losses, which means paying the lowest amount possible for your personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve.
What is a settlement and how does it work?
A settlement is a pre-trial agreement between you and the defendant to resolve the case based on compensation for the damages you experienced. A settlement can save time and money, but it may mean accepting a lower amount than you could get through a trial.
What types of personal injury cases can an Oklahoma City attorney handle?
What is negligence and how does it apply to personal injury cases?
Negligence is a legal term that refers to the failure of a person or entity to perform a reasonable level of care. In order to prove negligence, you need to show that the other party caused your accident due to a lack of reasonable care.
What is medical malpractice and when should I contact an attorney?
Medical malpractice refers to cases where a healthcare provider fails to provide medical care that meets accepted standards of practice, causing harm to the patient. If you believe you’ve been the victim of malpractice, contact a personal injury attorney without delay.
What is wrongful death and how is it handled in Oklahoma?
Wrongful death claims can arise when a person is killed due to the negligence of another person or entity. In Oklahoma, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving family members of the deceased to obtain compensation for their loss. By hiring an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney, you can take the first step into pursuing the compensation you deserve. It will allow you to ease the burden and stress of legal proceedings, and bring you the peace of mind that your case is being taken care of.
Q: What is personal injury law?
A: Personal injury law deals with cases where a person has been injured or harmed due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party.
Q: What is Oklahoma City Personal Injury law?
A: Oklahoma City Personal Injury law deals with cases of personal injury that occur within the state of Oklahoma and specifically within Oklahoma City.
Q: Why should I hire an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney?
A: Hiring an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney is essential to ensure that your legal rights are protected, and you have the best opportunity to recover damages for the harm caused to you.
Q: How do I choose an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer?
A: Choose an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer with a proven record of successfully handling personal injury cases and who has experience working against insurance companies.
Q: What is the Abel Law Firm?
A: The Abel Law Firm is a personal injury law firm located in Oklahoma City that has been helping clients for over 50 years.
Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma?
A: Generally, you have two years from the time of the injury to file a personal injury claim in the state of Oklahoma. However, some cases may have shorter or longer time limits, so consult with an attorney to understand the details of your case.
Q: What types of cases do Oklahoma personal injury attorneys handle?
A: Oklahoma personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases including car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, medical malpractice, and much more.
Q: What is the process for hiring an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney?
A: The process for hiring an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney typically involves a free consultation with the attorney, who will then take your case if they believe they can help you and you agree to work with them.
Q: What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident?
A: If you’ve been injured in an accident, seek medical treatment immediately and then contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney to discuss the details of your case.
Q: What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
A: You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more depending on the details of your case.
