Personal Injury FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Oklahoma
Answers from experienced attorneys in Tulsa
The personal injury lawyers at Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford want to answer some initial questions about personal injuries. We would be happy to provide you with answers to your specific questions in a free initial consultation.
Personal injury law FAQs
- What is negligence?
- What does it mean to be “liable?”
- What does “duty” mean in terms of lawsuits?
- How long can I wait to file a personal injury claim?
- How do I decide if I need a personal injury attorney?
- Will my claim definitely go to trial?
Contact our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys today
You can get many more answers about personal injuries directly from the Oklahoma personal injury lawyers of Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford. Contact us at 888.247.0902 to set up a free consultation, or stop by our offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and McAlester. You can also visit our personal injury overview page.
Negligence basically means that a person was careless, and someone else was injured because of that person’s carelessness. Representing the victim (plaintiff), personal injury lawyers must prove negligence in order to have a tight case. There are typically standards of conduct set by law, and if those standards in particular areas aren’t met, then the defendant can be considered negligent.
What does it mean to be “liable?”
To be liable is to be held responsible. If a person was negligent and is found to be “liable” for the resulting injury to another person, they are to be held responsible for their negligence. The word “liable” is not to be confused with the word “guilty,” as “guilty” is a term used in criminal cases, while “liable” is used in civil cases.
What does “duty” mean in terms of lawsuits?
In personal injury cases, it is generally assumed that there is a legal obligation, or “duty,” to protect the safety of everyone else around us. For example: When we drive, it is our “duty” to others to drive safely. Determining the extent of this duty is complex but necessary for a successful personal injury lawsuit.
How long can I wait to file a personal injury claim?
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. To file a personal injury claim, you must file the claim within two years of your injury.
How do I decide if I need a personal injury attorney?
Consider hiring an attorney if any of the following pertain to you:
- You have serious injuries
- Your insurance company is not helping you
- You are having problems with the liable party or insurance company
- The person who is liable for your injuries hired an attorney
While there are many other reasons, these are good general guidelines. Schedule a free consultation with a Stipe Harper attorney for more information. Personal injury is one of our primary areas of practice.
Will my claim definitely go to trial?
Not definitely. Most actually are negotiated to settlement with the insurance company or party at fault. However, our legal team is prepared to fight on your behalf regardless of whether the claim goes to trial.