Oklahoma Personal Injury Tips : Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyers

Oklahoma Personal Injury Tips

What happens if I file a personal injury lawsuit?

You become the plaintiff in the case and the person who injured you becomes the defendant. Lawyers for each side (and for the insurer) typically begin gathering facts through exchange of documents, written questions, or depositions which are questions that are asked in person and answered under oath. This process is called the discovery. After discovery, many cases get settled before trial. Only a small percentage of personal injury actions ever go to trial.

Does a personal injury lawsuit have to be filed
within a certain amount of time?

Every state has certain time limits, called "statutes of limitations," that govern the period during which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, in some states you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit from an automobile accident. If you miss the statutory deadline for filing a case, your case is thrown out of court.

What will I get if I win my case?

If you win, a judge or jury awards you money, known as damages, for your injuries. That amount can include compensation for expenses such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for future wage losses. It also can compensate you for physical pain and suffering. In addition, you may receive damages for any physical disfigurement or disability that resulted from your injury.

What does it mean to settle a case?

Settling a case means that you agree to accept money in return for dropping your action against the person who injured you. You will actually sign a release absolving the other side of any further liability. To help you decide whether to accept the settlement offer, your lawyer will be able to provide a realistic assessment of whether a lawsuit based on your claim will be successful. It is also important to know that a settlement can take place at any point in a lawsuit once it is filed, including before trial or even after a case has been tried but before a jury reaches a verdict. The decision to accept a settlement offer is yours, not the lawyer's.

Will the person who caused my injury get punished?

No. Punishment comes from criminal cases, not civil cases. Defendants in civil actions for personal injury do not receive jail terms or stiff fines as punishment. Those are criminal sentences and personal injury cases are civil disputes. However, juries and courts can award what the law calls punitive damages when the defendant's intentional acts have injured you.

Below is some important information to be aware of. Please read it to better prepare yourself if you or someone you know becomes the unfortunate victim of personal injury.

Preserve Any Evidence

Any physical evidence from the scene of the incident is extremely important. Return to the scene, making notes and taking photographs when possible, to document possible contributors to your injury. You might encounter potential witnesses that, even if they did not see your incident, may provide valuable information about the location or other party(s) involved.

Make Documentation of the Incident

Document as much of your injuries and the incident as you can, including financial losses. Note anything discussed with witnesses and take photographs of the injury(s) as well as the location at which it occurred. Visible injuries can and will heal over time and will not look as serious. Photographing and documenting them will ensure that there is an accurate record of your pain and suffering.

Special Note: When taking photographs, quality is tantamount to quantity. It is recommended that you use a 35mm film camera or higher quality digital camera, as opposed to a Polaroid camera or low quality digital camera, such as a camera phone. This will ensure you have the best lighting and detail possible. Of course, time is of the essence, so it is still best to use whatever options you have available to you in a timely manner.

We can handle your potential legal case if you are in any of these Oklahoma cities. Even if your city is not listed you may still speak with one of our Oklahoma personal injury attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400.

Ada, Afton, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Ardmore, Atoka, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Chandler, Checotah, Chickasha, Claremore, Clinton, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Enid, Erick, Frederick, Glenpool, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Henryetta, Idabel, Lawton, Locust Grove, Mcalester, Miami, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Owasso, Pauls Valley, Perry, Ponca City, Poteau, Pryor, Roland, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Savanna, Shawnee, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stroud, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Vinita, Wagoner, Weatherford, Woodward, Yukon

Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyers