Article Source: Warhawk Legal, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a large city and serves as the capital of Oklahoma in the United States. Slip and fall accidents are common in Oklahoma City, especially in busy areas like shopping centers, grocery stores, and public buildings. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, or back pain.
When a fall happens because a property owner failed to fix a dangerous condition or didn’t give proper warning, the injured person may have the right to take legal action.
If you or someone you know was hurt in such an accident, speaking with an experienced Oklahoma City slip and fall accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. A local lawyer knows the laws in Oklahoma and can guide you through the legal process.
Understanding a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
A slip and fall lawsuit is a type of personal injury claim. It happens when someone gets injured because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. The purpose of the lawsuit is to get compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Many people don’t realize how serious these accidents can be. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for adults aged 65 and older in the state. Nationwide, over 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to a fall injury, often because of a head injury or hip fracture, according to the CDC.
These statistics show that falls are not just minor accidents; they can change lives. That’s why the law allows injured victims to hold property owners accountable when they fail to maintain a safe environment.
Who is Eligible for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Oklahoma
Not everyone who falls can file a lawsuit. To be eligible, you must meet certain legal requirements:
You must be lawfully on the property.
There are three categories of people under Oklahoma law:
- Invitees (like store customers) are owed the highest duty of care.
- Licensees (like social guests) are owed a warning of hidden dangers.
- Trespassers are not generally protected unless the property owner intentionally causes harm.
There must be negligence.
You have to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix it or warn you.
You must have been injured.
A claim can only be made if you suffered real harm (physical, emotional, or financial) due to the fall.
You must not be mostly at fault.
Oklahoma uses a “comparative negligence” rule. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible for your fall, you can’t recover damages.
Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you only have a two-year window to file a slip and fall lawsuit from the date the accident happened. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you file after this period, your case may be thrown out, no matter how strong it is.
That’s why it’s important to act fast: gather evidence, get medical help, and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents in Oklahoma City can have serious consequences. But not every fall leads to a lawsuit. You must prove the property owner was negligent, that you were lawfully on the property, and that you suffered real injuries. You also have to act within two years of the accident.
If you believe you have a valid case, don’t try to handle it alone. A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
