Bone fractures are among the most common injuries people suffer in accidents. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace incident, broken bones can lead to high medical costs, lost time from work, and long recovery periods. If you sustained a fracture because of someone else’s negligence in Oklahoma, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Understanding the legal steps involved is essential to protecting your rights and securing the financial support you need.
How Broken Bones Commonly Occur in Accidents
Fractures can result from many types of accidents. Car collisions often lead to broken arms, ribs, or legs due to the impact of the crash. Pedestrians hit by vehicles frequently suffer serious orthopedic injuries. Falls on uneven pavement, slippery floors, or poorly maintained staircases are also major causes of broken bones.
In some cases, the injury may be a clean break that heals with minimal intervention. In others, especially high-impact incidents, the damage can be severe and require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatment. This level of care comes with significant expenses, making a legal claim critical for many injured individuals.
Steps to Take Right After the Accident
The decisions you make after the accident can affect your ability to pursue a claim. Your first step should be to get medical treatment. A doctor will evaluate your injuries, order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and begin appropriate treatment. Follow their recommendations closely and keep all records, including discharge papers, prescriptions, and billing information.
If possible, gather evidence from the scene. Take photos of the location, any hazards or damage, and your visible injuries. Ask for contact details from any witnesses. If the police are called to the scene, make sure a report is filed. This documentation helps establish what happened and who may be at fault.
Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer first. Their goal is often to limit payouts, and anything you say could be used to weaken your claim.
How Liability Works in Oklahoma Personal Injury Claims
To pursue compensation, you’ll need to show that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence means someone failed to act with reasonable care. In the context of a car accident, this might be a driver who was texting while driving. In a premises liability case, it could be a property owner who didn’t fix a broken handrail.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule. If you’re found partly at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re more than 50% responsible, you may not be eligible for compensation. This makes it essential to present strong evidence that clearly supports your version of events.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Broken Bone
Once your medical condition has stabilized, you can begin the claims process. In most cases, this starts with an insurance claim against the responsible party’s insurer. Your attorney will draft a demand letter outlining your injuries, the cost of treatment, and other losses. The insurer may respond with an offer, begin negotiations, or deny the claim.
If negotiations fail, the next step is filing a lawsuit in civil court. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Filing beyond this deadline may result in your case being dismissed, so it’s important not to delay.
Your lawsuit will name the defendant, explain how the accident occurred, and describe the damages you’re seeking. Once the case is filed, both sides enter the discovery phase. This involves exchanging evidence, deposing witnesses, and potentially working with medical experts who can explain how your injury occurred and its long-term effects.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Fracture
A broken bone can interfere with every aspect of your life. You may be able to claim compensation for:
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Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up visits
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Lost wages if you missed work while recovering
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Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to return to the same job
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Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the injury
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Out-of-pocket expenses related to mobility aids, transportation, or home modifications
In serious cases, such as multiple fractures or permanent disability, the total damages can be significant. Your attorney will work with you to fully assess the impact of the injury so that all potential losses are included in your claim.
Proving the Extent of Your Injury
When it comes to fractures, the type and severity of the break will influence the value of your claim. A hairline fracture that heals in a few weeks is not the same as a compound fracture that requires surgical repair and months of rehabilitation. Documenting the extent of your injury is critical.
Medical records are the foundation of your case. These should include imaging results, doctor’s notes, surgical reports, and rehabilitation records. It’s also helpful to maintain a personal journal describing your pain levels, mobility issues, and emotional distress during recovery. This information helps illustrate how the injury has affected your daily life.
How an Attorney Can Help With the Process
Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters who may try to undervalue your case. An experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyer can guide you through each stage, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement.
An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company, help identify all responsible parties, and ensure that deadlines are met. They can also bring in medical professionals to support your claim and, if needed, take your case to trial to fight for full compensation.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation on your behalf. This arrangement allows injured people to access legal representation without upfront costs.
Conclusion
Suffering a broken bone in an accident can disrupt your life in many ways. You may be dealing with pain, missing work, and facing expensive medical care. Filing a personal injury claim gives you the opportunity to recover the financial support you need to move forward.
Understanding the legal process—and having the right legal team in your corner—can make all the difference. If you or someone you love has suffered a fracture due to someone else’s negligence in Oklahoma, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
