Personal Injury Attorney Norman, Oklahoma

What to Do After an Accident

Suffering an injury through the negligence of another person can be overwhelming and disorienting. Being aware of the proper steps to do in the immediate aftermath can really affect your personal injury claim. Here is a concise guide on what to do:

• Get Medical Attention First: You yourself are your first priority. No matter how you feel, you must look for immediate medical evaluation. There are some serious injuries which don't exhibit symptoms right away. Medical records are also good evidence for your case.
• Report the Incident: For car wrecks, report the incident to the police to establish an accident report. For injuries on someone else's property, ensure an official incident report is written out with the manager or owner of the property.
• Collect Information and Evidence: If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident location, your injuries, car damage, and hazards. Get contact information of the party causing the accident and the witnesses.
• Do NOT Accept Responsibility: Do not accept responsibility nor provide recorded statements to an insurance company without initially talking to a lawyer. The insurance adjusters are instructed to pay out the minimum, and anything you state to them can be used to negate your claim.
• Keep Detailed Records: Be sure to keep every medical bill, injury-related expense receipt, and proof of wages lost.
• Get in Contact with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: The earlier you seek the advice of a lawyer, the better. We can safeguard your rights, guide you through the crucial initial steps, and create a good case on your behalf.

Personal Injury Cases We Represent in Oklahoma

• Birth Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• Car Accidents
• Defective Products
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Negligence
• Pharmacy Negligence

Seeking Compensation in an Oklahoma Personal Injury Case

When you're injured due to another's negligence, the goal of a personal injury claim is to seek "damages" – monetary compensation for the losses you've suffered. These damages are generally categorized as follows:

Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from your injury. They can include:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: Income you've already lost due to your inability to work after the accident.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Future income you won't be able to earn because of permanent injuries or disability.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property, such as your vehicle in a car accident.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Anything from assistive devices and modifications to your home or vehicle, to travel expenses for medical appointments.

Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective, non-financial losses that are harder to quantify but significantly impact your quality of life. They may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or aspects of life you enjoyed before the injury.
• Disfigurement and Impairment: Compensation for permanent scarring, loss of a limb, or other long-term physical limitations.

Punitive Damages (Rare): In Oklahoma, punitive damages are not awarded in every personal injury case. They are typically reserved for situations where the at-fault party's conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious, and are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Our Norman personal injury attorneys work diligently to accurately assess all the damages you've incurred and will likely incur in the future, ensuring your claim seeks the full compensation you rightfully deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Oklahoma?

According to the Oklahoma Statutes section 12-95, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. This means you have two years to file your claim, or you will lose your right to do so along with your right to recover compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are.

While two years may seem like a significant amount of time, there are some exceptions that can change this two-year time limit. It’s important to speak to an experienced attorney about the details of your case as soon as you can. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. today.

Handling Catastrophic Injury Cases in Norman

After an injury, you have many things on your mind. From dealing with the insurance company to receiving the medical care and therapy you need, to taking time off work and dealing with the associated financial repercussions, the last thing you need is to face legal complications.

In cases of permanent or catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage, spinal cord injuries, or disfigurement, the need for a highly skilled and dedicated Norman personal injury attorney is even more urgent. The person's life is changed forever; he or she may be unable to work at all or may require long-term nursing care or many surgeries over several years.

Our duty to our clients is to make the future as positive as possible by recovering the maximum possible in damages. The money recovered in compensation will allow the victim to get the finest medical care and treatment, have a home refitted when needed, pay for lost income both now and estimated for the future, and pay for the pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, from the injuries. We are ready to fight for your right to full compensation!

Understanding the intricacies of catastrophic injuries requires a personalized approach. We work diligently with medical professionals to closely assess the long-term implications of these injuries, ensuring that all future costs and needs are addressed comprehensively in your claim. Our commitment extends beyond legal representation; we are here to support you and your family in seeking full justice and financial security.