Our Tulsa, OK personal injury attorney explains the different types of compensation you can ask to be covered in your PI claim.
When the reckless and negligent actions of others leave you suffering serious personal injuries in Tulsa, you are entitled to seek compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur. These are referred to as ‘damages’ in a personal injury claim. Find out more about the different types available and what damages you can ask to be covered based on the circumstances surrounding your case.
Your Rights in Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Tulsa
Accidents can happen in a variety of ways. In many cases, it is the reckless actions of others that are responsible. Under the Oklahoma Statutes, you have the right to file a personal injury claim seeking damages when the unlawful acts or omissions of others leave you suffering harm. This includes:
- Car accidents involving motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, which are often due to dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, and being under the influence;
- Truck crashes and accidents involving busses or other types of public transportation, often caused by negligence on the part of employees or the company they work for;
- Slips, falls, and other types of accidents that occur on another’s property, which can happen due to improper maintenance and failure to want visitors of potential risks;
- Accidents due to dangerous products, which can happen when manufacturers fail to provide proper instructions or pull defective items from shelves.
Common Types of Damages Available in a Tulsa Personal Injury Claim
In all of the above and other types of personal injury cases, you are entitled to file a claim against those at fault, seeking compensation for your losses. This compensation is referred to as damages and typically includes:
- Economic damages, which cover tangible losses. In addition to your current medical bills and lost wages, this compensates you for any future medical costs you are likely to incur and future losses in earnings and benefits due to long-term disabilities.
- Non-economic or special damages, which cover intangible losses. This includes compensation for your pain, suffering, and any loss of enjoyment in life you experience as a result of your injuries.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, you may also be entitled to exemplary or punitive damages. Under Oklahoma Civil Jury Instructions, these may be awarded in cases where there is clear evidence that the at-fault party acted in reckless disregard of the rights of others and/or intentionally and with malice. Examples include driving with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level, purposely violating state safety regulations, or otherwise knowingly taking actions that put others at risk.
Discuss Damages with Our Tulsa Personal Injury Attorneys
At Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker, we help injured victims get the compensation they need to recover. To discuss what damages you can ask to be covered in your PI claim, call or contact our Tulsa personal injury attorneys online and request a consultation today.
