How to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim in Oklahoma

If you or your loved one was injured or killed due to the negligent acts of another person, you deserve to seek compensation for damages as well as justice. Thousands of people are injured or even die every year in Oklahoma from personal injuries, while many do not know how to prosecute their claim. Today, we go over the basic steps for how to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Filing a Personal Injury Case or Lawsuit in 8 Steps

First Step: Get Medical Treatment

You will need to go to the hospital if you were severely injured. Whether your injuries were a result of a car accident, pedestrian accident, or motorcycle collision, you will want to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries after an accident do not cause immediate pain and could get worse over time without proper medical treatment. Additionally, your personal injury claim requires you to gather medical treatment documents to prove damages.

Second Step: Consult with an Experienced Lawyer

When it comes to filing a claim or pursuing a lawsuit, you will want the experience, knowledge, and support of a reputable lawyer on your side.

Third Step: Your Lawyer Investigates the Claim

The next step is for your attorney to research your case and consult with you about what happened. You will be required to explain the events that happened before the accident and what happened immediately after you were injured. Your attorney can also help you obtain medical records, bills, hospital documents, and more as well. From here, your attorney will determine if you have a case.

Fourth Step: Your Lawyer Drafts a Demand Letter

Often a personal injury claim can be settled without the need to go to court. Your attorney will draft a demand letter, which details your claim and what kind of compensation you would like to receive.

Fifth Step: File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

You will only file a personal injury lawsuit if your case cannot be settled. You will need to file your lawsuit within 2 years of being injured.

Sixth Step: The Discovery Process

A discovery process will be held to investigate the opposing party’s claim and defense. Both parties are entitled to send interrogations or requests for production, meaning demands for more documents or supporting evidence.

Seventh Step: Mediation and Negotiation Time

At any point in the case, both sides can reach a settlement and discuss details about their case to come to such a resolution. Mediation is usually not scheduled until the discovery process is complete.

Eight Step: Go to Trial

If you do not want to settle for the compensation that was offered, you will need to go to trial. Personal injury trials can take over a week and involve expert witnesses. It would be best to ensure you hire a lawyer who will fight to advocate on your behalf.

Do you need to file a personal injury case or pursue a lawsuit? Contact us online or call us at (405) 294-1511 to schedule a consultation.