People who are injured or the loved ones of a deceased family member may avoid filing a personal injury claim because they are confused about how the legal system works in Oklahoma. Perhaps you were injured, but you are not sure if you have a valid personal injury case.
Hire an experienced Enid personal injury lawyer at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, where our caring attorneys handle many personal injury cases and work to protect our client's legal rights and recover compensation.
Why You Need To Hire an Enid Personal Injury Lawyer To Help You with Your Case
Skilled Enid personal injury attorneys understand the law and the complicated legal issues that can arise in any case, including a personal injury case. Knowing why you need to hire an Enid personal injury attorney and how to find the right attorney is important when you want to get compensation for your injuries.
A. Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
A person who experiences injuries because of negligence or the wrongdoing of another person, a hospital, a business, or an entity is likely to have many questions. It is important to get answers to those questions and to understand the legal process for personal injury claims.
Our caring attorneys listen to you, answer your questions and explain how we will proceed with your case by offering a free and confidential consultation.
B. Investigation and Gathering of Evidence
Your attorney will ask you if you have evidence or documentation related to your injury.
The experienced Enid personal injury lawyers at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux gather evidence as they conduct a comprehensive investigation to build your case. Our lawyers get the police report, witness statements, and other documentation, such as medical reports. We review the photos, delve into statements made by the other party, and investigate every aspect of your case that can help us reach a fair settlement or when we go to court if we cannot settle.
C. Legal Representation and Advocacy
You are not alone in fighting a big-name insurance company, a team of medical facility lawyers, or an established business if you have a dedicated personal injury attorney providing you with skilled legal representation. Our attorneys offer advocacy for every client because we care about our clients. We have a track record of success with record-breaking settlements and numerous accolades.
Trust an attorney who advocates for clients, not just another Enid "ok" lawyer.
D. Negotiation with Insurance Companies
The overwhelming majority of injury claims are successfully settled without going to court. If your attorney successfully negotiates a settlement, you do not have to wait for a court date and do not have to risk losing the case and getting nothing.
The insurance company doesn't want to pay out anything to compensate victims for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or other types of compensation. Having an attorney fighting for you who is a skilled negotiator means the lawyer strives to reach the best possible resolution in your personal injury claim.
E. Court Representation and Litigation
Sometimes, the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, or for other reasons; it is better to take the case to court. The average person is no match for large insurance companies, big corporations, or at-fault parties appearing with their attorneys.
You need an attorney who is an experienced litigator who is not intimidated by legal representation for the other side. Your personal injury attorney fights to protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Enid
There are many types of personal injuries, including pedestrian accidents, dog bite incidents, and more common personal injury cases.
Car Accidents
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office revealed 9,360 fatal and injured motor vehicles crashed in the state in 2021. The statistics, which include all motor vehicles, include people experiencing 11,619 injuries and 762 fatalities.
Car accidents represent a large number of motor vehicle fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that occupants of cars accounted for 33% of the fatal crashes in Oklahoma in 2021, with SUV occupants listed with pickup fatalities, resulting in 37% of motor vehicle deaths.
It would help if you had an attorney representing you who has experience getting compensation for car accident victims.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Broken bones, lacerations, back injuries, head injuries, or deaths can result when you or a loved one slips and falls because of someone else's negligence.
Contacting a lawyer with slip and fall injury experience can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Medical Malpractice
The researchers and authors of "Medical Error Reduction and Prevention" indicate that medical errors are "a leading cause of death in the United States." They stated that a fear of punishment might lead to healthcare professionals failing to report errors they make when treating patients.
You or your loved one may have suffered an error of omission. It occurs when a doctor or other medical professional fails to act. Examples include failing to secure a patient in bed or on a gurney or other actions not taken for the patient's safety and care.
A medical professional commits an error of the commission when they take a wrong action. Giving a patient medication that they are allergic to, a cure, or treatment intended for another patient is an error of the commission.
One study concluded that nurses were responsible for nearly 30% of medication errors in the U.S. Nurses who fail to report changes in a patient's condition to a doctor are another example of where nurses can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants may also commit malpractice. It is a complex type of personal injury. Make sure you turn to trusted Enid personal injury lawyers who list medical malpractice as one of their practice areas.
Workplace Accidents
Employers have to keep workplaces safe for all employees. Employees may slip and fall because of liquids or obstructions on the floor. Chemicals not correctly labeled or stored can cause devastating injuries or death.
Boxes or objects stacked too high in a warehouse or a stockroom can lead to injuries or deaths of employees. Using unsafe equipment or unsafe work practices can result in injuries or fatalities in the workplace.
Product Liability
Consumers expect that products are safe and effective for their intended use. Product liability happens when a product is defective or unsafe, resulting in injuries or deaths. Another example is when defective motor vehicle parts cause a truck crash or car crash.
Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and even retailers are held liable in a personal injury case.
Statutes of Limitations and Filing Deadlines
It is easy to assume that Oklahoma law provides two years to file any personal injury claim in Oklahoma. A major myth is that the two years start with the date your attorney files the personal injury claim.
Statutes of limitations may vary, so it is best to talk to an attorney and learn how the law applies to your case.
What You Should Do Immediately After an Accident in Enid
- Don't leave the scene of an accident.
- Contact the police right away.
- Please take photos or have someone else take them for you.
- Don't make any statements that can be used against you, such as admitting fault or apologizing to the other person.
- Call your insurance company, but refrain from speaking to anyone with the other party's insurance company. Do not speak to a lawyer for the other party. Refer them to your attorney.
- Seek immediate medical attention even if you do not see injuries. You may have serious internal injuries.
Types of Damages in Enid Personal Injury Cases
You may recover different types of damages in your personal injury claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, replacing a vehicle, or replacing personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages for which there is no specific dollar amount. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional distress experienced by the injured party; and
- Loss of consortium or companionship.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish the party or parties responsible for the personal injury.
Schedule an Initial Consultation With Our Enid Personal Injury Lawyer at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Can Help You With Your Case
Oklahoma law strictly limits when a person can file suit after a personal injury accident. The best time to get started with your case is today. Our Enid personal injury lawyer will listen to the details of what happened and explain the best way to move forward, whether it is to make a demand for settlement or file a suit to have the case heard in a courtroom.
Contact us today to arrange and schedule a free consultation. Learn more about how our Enid personal injury lawyer at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux can help you with your case.
