Personal Injury

Skilled & Trusted Norman Personal Injury Lawyers

Life can change in an instant—a distracted driver runs a red light, a slippery floor in a store goes unnoticed, or a defective product causes an unexpected injury. Situations like these leave victims facing not just physical pain, but financial burdens and emotional stress. 

Our Norman personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf, so you don’t have to go through this alone. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve and help you seek justice.

What is a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case arises when someone is injured due to another party's negligence or intentional actions. Negligence is the legal concept that forms the foundation of most personal injury claims, requiring the injured party to prove that the at-fault party failed to act with reasonable care. This could involve reckless driving, unsafe property conditions, or manufacturing a defective product.

Filing a personal injury claim allows victims to seek compensation for their losses, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. In Oklahoma, personal injury cases are guided by a comparative negligence rule, meaning your recovery could be reduced if you are partially at fault. Understanding the nuances of these claims can be quite complex, which is why having experienced Norman personal injury attorneys on your side is invaluable.

Factors That May Affect Your Personal Injury Case

Extent of Injuries

Severe or long-term injuries typically result in higher compensation.

Evidence

Strong evidence, such as medical records and eyewitness accounts, strengthens your case.

Insurance Policies

The limits of the at-fault party’s insurance may affect recovery.

Comparative Negligence

In Oklahoma, if you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionately.

 

Statute of Limitations

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of injury. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to recover damages. However, exceptions may apply, so consulting with an attorney as soon as you can is essential.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At Lai & Turner Law, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases in Norman:

  • Car Accidents

  • Truck Accidents

  • Motorcycle Accidents

  • Bicycle Accidents

  • Pedestrian Accidents

  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents (Premises Liability Cases)

  • Workers’ Compensation

  • Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse

  • Medical Malpractice

  • Injury from Defective Products

  • Injury from Dangerous Drugs and Medical Devices

  • Wrongful Death

 

What Kind of Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages depending on the specifics of your case. Oklahoma law allows victims of personal injury cases to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, as well as punitive damages in certain situations. 

Here’s a closer look at each type of damage:

1. Economic Damages

These damages are tangible and measurable, compensating victims for the financial losses directly tied to their injuries. They include:

  • Medical Expenses: This covers past, current, and future medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.

  • Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you’ve already lost and any future earnings you might miss out on due to long-term disability or recovery time.

  • Property Damage: This typically applies in accidents involving vehicles, covering repair or replacement costs for damaged property.

  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expenses such as travel to medical appointments, hiring caregivers, or making home modifications due to a disability may also be recoverable.

2. Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the less tangible effects of an injury that significantly impact your quality of life:

  • Pain and Suffering: Includes physical discomfort and ongoing pain resulting from your injury.

  • Emotional Distress: Covers the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from enjoying activities or hobbies you previously loved, you may be compensated for this loss.

  • Loss of Consortium: In some cases, family members can recover damages for the loss of companionship or intimacy due to the victim’s injuries.

3. Punitive Damages

Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless, malicious, or egregious behavior. These damages are rare and awarded only when the court deems it necessary to deter similar conduct in the future.

How Fault is Determined in Personal Injury Cases

In Oklahoma, determining fault in personal injury cases follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This system ensures that victims can recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. 

Here’s how it works:

Shared Fault Reduction

If you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 25% at fault, you’ll receive $75,000.

50% Threshold

If you are 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are not eligible to recover any damages under Oklahoma law.

 

Determining Fault

Establishing fault requires gathering strong evidence to show the other party’s negligence. These typically include:

Police Reports: Official accident reports often provide crucial details and initial fault determinations.

Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from people who saw the accident can support your claim.

Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to analyze the circumstances and provide professional insights.

Medical Records: These documents link your injuries directly to the accident, strengthening your case.

Fault determination is critical to the success of your claim, and having a skilled personal injury attorney to guide you through this process can make all the difference.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Our Norman personal injury lawyers assist you with the following:

  1. Case Evaluation: We review your case, identify potential claims, and explain your legal options in clear, simple terms.

  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We handle the collection of evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.

  3. Calculating Damages: Understanding the full scope of your losses is very important. We work with experts to assess the financial, emotional, and physical impact of your injuries.

  4. Dealing with Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be intimidating. We take on this burden, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.

  5. Filing Legal Paperwork: We manage all legal documentation and make sure that your case is filed within Oklahoma’s statute of limitations.

  6. Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.

  7. Providing Ongoing Support: Beyond legal representation, we offer compassionate support, keeping you informed and answering any questions you may have throughout the process.

A personal injury lawyer doesn’t just advocate for your rights—they act as your guide, advocate, and ally during a challenging time.

Contact an Experienced Norman Personal Injury Attorney Today

When you’re facing the aftermath of an accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. As skilled personal injury lawyers in Norman, OK, we provide you the legal assistance you need. Contact our team of Norman personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and fair compensation.