If you live in Oklahoma and have been hurt by someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. A motor vehicle accident, dog bite, slip-and-fall accident, medical malpractice injury, or other negligence can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost income. This is on top of the pain from your injuries that can last for months or longer.

The Oklahoma personal injury attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law want to help if you have been injured by another party’s negligence. Our personal injury lawyers have more than 40 years of experience assisting Oklahoma accident injury victims. We have recovered millions for our clients in a wide range of cases. We’ve earned nationwide recognition for our work, including being named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 list.

If you’ve been injured in Oklahoma, turn to our experienced and compassionate team for help. Contact us by phone or online today for a free consultation.

Cases We Handle

Our firm has the knowledge and experience to handle many kinds of personal injury cases, including the following:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Semi-truck accidents
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Dog bites
  • Medical malpractice
  • Oil field accidents
  • Defective products
  • Dangerous drugs
  • Mesothelioma and asbestos cases
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Social Security disability cases

How Is Fault Determined in Oklahoma Personal Injury Cases?

When you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against another party in Oklahoma, your case will likely be based on the legal concept of negligence. In the legal field, someone is considered negligent if they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent you from being injured.

To win your case, you must show the defendant was negligent. This may require evidence such as the following:

  • Photos and videos from the accident
  • Security footage from near the scene
  • Medical records
  • Cell phone records
  • Police reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Expert testimony

A skilled personal injury lawyer can review your case and help determine who is at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. They can also gather the evidence to prove the at-fault party’s responsibility and pursue compensation for your losses.

Types of Compensation for People Hurt in Oklahoma Accidents

The three broad categories of compensation you can seek in a personal injury case in Oklahoma are:

  • Economic damages — Economic damages are losses you’ve suffered that have a specific dollar value. They include losses like your medical bills, lost wages related to your injuries, any reduction in your future earning potential due to your injuries, the cost of transportation to your medical appointments, and the value of any personal property damaged in the accident or incident.
  • Noneconomic damages — These are the injuries and losses you have suffered that are harder to quantify with a specific dollar value. Noneconomic damages include the pain from your injuries, any emotional distress related to the accident, and your lower quality of life.
  • Punitive damages — Punitive damages are additional compensation awarded in a personal injury case when someone is especially negligent or purposefully caused your injuries. They are meant to punish the negligent party and deter others from similar behavior.

Why Should I Seek Compensation After an Oklahoma Injury?

Many accident victims are reluctant to pursue a personal injury case because they don’t want to end up in a lengthy, expensive legal battle. These concerns are understandable. But there are still compelling reasons to consider a personal injury lawsuit, such as the following:

  • Paying for your expenses — Even if you have good insurance, the costs related to an accident can be astronomical. Your medical bills could easily cost you thousands of dollars. Missing a long period of work could cause you to lose a substantial portion of your income. You may also have to replace your car or other personal property. These costs add up. A personal injury claim can help you recover the money you need to meet your expenses.
  • Claiming compensation for your physical and mental injuries — Many accident victims underestimate the toll a serious injury can take. Pain may last for days, weeks, or months after the initial accident. They may suffer insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, heightened anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions. These losses are just as real as financial losses. You have the right to seek reasonable compensation for them.
  • Holding the negligent party accountable — In many cases, someone who is negligent is not charged with a crime. You can still find a measure of accountability by making them pay for the injuries you have suffered.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

While it’s hard to say how much your personal injury case is worth until a lawyer has a chance to look at your claim, there are several factors that affect the value of your case, such as the following:

  • The extent of your injuries
  • Your financial expenses related to the accident
  • The available evidence to support your claim
  • Your degree of fault, if any
  • How much pain and emotional distress you have suffered

Talk to a lawyer if you want to know more about what your personal injury case might be worth.

Contact an Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney

The Oklahoma personal injury lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law fight for the rights of those who’ve been hurt in our community. Contact our offices today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our team.