Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lawton, OK

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawton, Oklahoma?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Lawton Police Department is 580-581-3272.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lawton, Oklahoma?

  To obtain a copy of a police report in Lawton, you must first call the Police Department’s Records Section at 580-581-3233 to confirm the availability of the report you re looking for. You may also call the City Clerk’s office at 580-581-3305 for further assistance.

• How much is your Lawton personal injury case worth?

  There is no definite answer to this question since there are many factors that come into play when determining the value of your personal injury claim in Lawton. These may include the extent and severity of your injuries, the expenses you incurred for medical care, the amount of income you lost due to time away from work, your loss of ability to work, and the cost of your future treatments. The mental impact of the incident can also be considered when assigning a value to your claim.

• Can you settle your property damage claim on your own without affecting your personal injury claim in Lawton?

  Yes. Many property damage claims in Lawton can be settled without the help of an attorney. But if you are taking this direction, you must be clear that you are only settling the property damage portion of your claim and not your personal injury claim. Once you receive the check from the insurer, read its description carefully and make sure it does not state something along the lines of “full and final settlement of any and all claims” because accepting such a check will close your case. That said, it would still be wise of you to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer for this matter.

• Can you sue if a foreign object was left in your body after undergoing surgery in Lawton?

  As absurd as it may sound, instances of surgeons forgetting medical tools or paraphernalia inside of a patient’s body actually happen in Lawton. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you could be entitled to damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options to obtain maximum compensation.

• Can you still recover compensation if you are partially responsible for your accident in Lawton?

  Yes. Since Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, you may still be able to recover damages even if you share some blame in the Lawton accident that caused your injuries. In order to be eligible for compensation, though, you must be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your award will then be reduced by the percentage of your share of the fault.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Lawton?

  You generally have two years from the date of the incident that caused your injury to bring suit in Lawton. Depending on the details of your case, this legal deadline that is otherwise known as the statute of limitations can be shortened or extended. Either way, it would be best to seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately because if you fail to take legal action within your case’s time window, you may be barred from collecting any compensation.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.