What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City?
Focus on three key factors: experience with your specific type of injury case, a strong track record of settlements and verdicts, and clear communication about fees. Look for attorneys who have handled similar cases in Oklahoma courts and understand local insurance company tactics. Check their state bar standing and read recent client reviews to gauge their reliability and responsiveness.
How much do personal injury lawyers charge in Oklahoma?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, typically charging 33-40% of your settlement or verdict. You pay nothing upfront and only pay if you win your case. Some lawyers may charge additional costs for filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records, so ask about these expenses during your initial consultation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, starting from the date of your injury. However, certain cases have different deadlines:
- Government entity claims: 1 year to file written notice
- Medical malpractice: 2 years from discovery (with some exceptions)
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation, so contact an attorney quickly.
What damages can I recover in an Oklahoma personal injury case?
You can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouses.
Oklahoma doesn't cap damages in most personal injury cases, except for non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases ($350,000 cap in most situations).
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?
A valid case requires four elements: someone owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty, their breach directly caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages. Document everything immediately - take photos, get witness information, keep medical records, and avoid discussing fault with insurance companies. Most attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate whether your case has merit.
What's the average settlement for personal injury cases in Oklahoma City?
Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance coverage limits. Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for $3,000-$15,000, while severe injuries with permanent effects can reach six or seven figures. Factors affecting your settlement include:
- Medical expenses and future treatment needs
- Impact on your ability to work
- Strength of evidence proving fault
- Insurance policy limits
- Your attorney's negotiation skills
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Almost never. First offers are typically 40-60% lower than what your case might be worth. Insurance adjusters count on injured people needing quick money and not knowing their rights. An experienced lawyer can often negotiate settlements 2-3 times higher than initial offers by properly documenting damages and understanding case value.
How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in Oklahoma County?
Most cases settle within 6-12 months without going to trial. If litigation is necessary, expect 18-24 months from filing to trial in Oklahoma County courts. Complex cases involving multiple parties or disputed liability can take longer. Your attorney should provide realistic timelines based on current court backlogs and case specifics.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages as long as you're less than 51% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 30% at fault for a $100,000 case, you'd receive $70,000.
Do I need to go to court for my personal injury case?
About 95% of personal injury cases settle without trial. Most are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies or mediation. Going to court becomes necessary when settlement offers are unreasonably low or liability is heavily disputed. Your attorney should prepare every case as if it will go to trial while working toward a fair settlement.
