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A Personal Injury Lawyer Explains What to Expect When Filing a Case

If you have been involved in an accident and you feel that you have cause to file a claim, it’s important that you first consult a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma. It can be a tedious process, with lots of necessary administrative procedures, that you may very well need professional help to accomplish the requirements.

Determine When to Hire the Services of an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer

Getting into a car accident in Oklahoma or elsewhere, the least you can expect is to be inconvenienced with small damages. A cracked windshield, for instance, or a couple of chips in your car’s paint. In these cases, it’s only a matter of exchanging information between the drivers involved, and their respective insurance companies will take care of the matter.

Oklahoma Personal Injury Law

This article was published on the AllLaw.com website and written by Dani Alexis Ryskamp. It is a great source to learn more about Oklahoma Personal Injury Laws & Statutory Rules. In this article, we explore some important points of Oklahoma personal injury law. These laws come into play in a wide range of injury cases, whether you are going to court or just seeking an insurance settlement. Time Limits for Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawsuits Oklahoma law contains time limits, known as “statutes of limitations,” for going to court and filing a lawsuit over some type of harm. Different deadlines apply to different kinds of cases. For personal injury cases in Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the underlying incident to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system, in most cases.

How Workers Can Safeguard Against Oilfield Injuries and Other Occupational Hazards

The oil and gas extraction industry has one of the most dangerous work environments, and oil workers constantly face numerous occupational hazards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 529 fatal injuries in the industry from 2007 to 2011, with the highest number of fatalities occurring in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana respectively. It also estimates that in 2011, there were 1,400 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in oil and gas extraction, 5,900 of the same in support activities for oil and gas operations, and 2,600 from drilling oil and gas wells.

Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Medical Malpractice Damages

Cases of medical practice in the U.S. range from 15,000 to 19,000 every year, according to the Medical Malpractice Center. Thankfully the medical malpractice law allows victims to recover compensation from injuries due to medical errors. An Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer explains the basics of medical malpractice damages including existing caps.

Personal Injury Attorney Qualifications

5 Personal Injury Qualifications You Should Consider If you have sustained injuries due to the negligence of another person, government authority, company, or any other entity, you deserve fair compensation to ensure that a financial burden is not added to the physical burden you have already. It is important to find a good personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. To find the best personal injury attorney, you should be looking for one with success in litigating cases like your own. Some personal injury attorneys specialize in certain types of injuries and accidents, which means that it is in your best interest to find a lawyer who is familiar with your kind of case. Personal Injury Qualifications to Consider If you are not sure about where to find a good personal injury attorney, here are a few tips to effectively find the most qualified one: Educational Qualifications A personal injury attorney typically has the same education and training as any other lawyer. He/she has to first earn a law degree and subsequently pass a written bar exam. A personal injury lawyer’s area of specialization is ‘tort law’. Personal injury lawyers also study to become certified in civil trial advocacy. For this, they are required to complete a National Board of Legal Specialty Certification accredited, specialty certification program. The board is an American Bar Association accredited non-profit organization. In-Depth Personal Injury Law Knowledge The field of personal injury law is incredibly vast in the United States. Becoming a successful personal injury requires a good track record handling cases of different types, which is only possible if he/she has a deep understanding of both state and federal personal injury laws. Board Certification A good personal injury attorney should be certified by the Board of Legal Specialization. The certification is an acknowledgement of the successful efforts in ensuring that clients are properly and adequately compensated. The certification also means that the lawyer is capable of dealing with a wide variety of personal injury cases, which range from car accident injuries, workplace-related injuries to injuries caused by medical malpractices. Verifiable Personal Injury Law Experience A good personal injury attorney is ideally one that has had his/her practice for several years and has a track record of winning cases and producing exemplary results. You can check the lawyer’s website for a list of past case results. If they are not posted on the lawyer’s website, you can ask the office for these directly. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation. 

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical practitioner neglects to provide the appropriate treatment, gives substandard treatment that causes harm to the patient, or does not take appropriate action on behalf of a patient. The negligence can involve a medical error due to the diagnosis, health management, treatment, or aftercare process. A patient who has experienced medical negligence can recover compensation for harm or injuries caused due to the actions of the practitioner. The Medical Malpractice Center in the United States indicates there are between 15,000 and 19,000 malpractice lawsuits against doctors each year. In fact, the standards and regulations for medical malpractice may differ according to the state you reside. This article provides information on what medical malpractice is and how it can affect a patient. A hospital or medical practitioner is supposed to provide a certain standard of care to every patient under their supervision. Even though the practitioner or hospital is not responsible for all the harm experienced by the patient, they are legally responsible if the patient experiences injury or harm due to substandard treatment provided by them. To be considered medical malpractice in the United States, there are several factors such as: Providing substandard care – The law requires the hospital or medical practitioner abide by certain standards of medical care. Neglecting to provide appropriate care will potentially result in the practitioner being liable and they may face a medical malpractice lawsuit. Even if the patient feels that the provider was negligent, there can be no claim if there is no harm or injury to the patient. The injury should have damaging consequences to the patient. Considerable damage could include – constant pain, enduring hardship, suffering, full or partial disability, and loss of income. The way medical malpractice affects an individual can vary from person to person. In fact, some patients may not be aware that they have been a victim of medical negligence until it is too late. The consequences of negligence may well extend beyond the physical injury to the individual. In fact, it can impact the patient emotionally and psychologically. The victim can easily experience stress, isolation, and vulnerability under such circumstances. He or she may become fully or partially disabled and lose their job in the process. There are many things to consider when you or a loved one has been harmed or injured due to medical malpractice. The first thing you should do is to consult a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney for immediate assistance. A professional personal injury lawyer can help guide and represent you with a medical malpractice case. The attorneys at Little, Oliver and Gallagher PLLC are experienced professionals in this field and will insure you are adequately compensated based on the seriousness of your injuries. For help with your potential medical malpractice case contact us today. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation. 

Important Car Accident Information

The outcome of a car accident can be much more traumatizing and serious than most people would think. In addition to the damage to the vehicle, the driver or passenger can experience physical and emotional injuries from the accident. In fact, even a minor fender bender can result in serious neck and brain injuries to the person involved in the accident. On the other hand, the financial impact can also be staggering with unpaid bills, emergency medical expenses, and loss of income due to the injuries suffered by the individual. You may not be able to go to work for weeks, months, or perhaps ever again. If you or anyone in your family has been injured due to someone else’s fault, you deserve to be compensated for the process. Since you haven’t done anything wrong, you should not pay for the negligence of another driver. You should seek advice from an experience personal injury attorney as early as possible after a car accident that has caused injuries. This short article provides information that may be helpful after a car accident. A car accident can fall under three major categories such as driver injuries, passenger injuries, and pedestrian injuries. Some auto accident injuries include neck or what is commonly known as whiplash injury, broken bones, back injuries, internal injuries, head injury or concussion, shoulder injuries, and the list goes on. Whatever type of injury you or your family members undergo, you should strive to understand your options and take the correct legal action regarding your injuries. In fact, delaying the right course of action could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses as a result of the accident. Neck injuries are a common injury experienced by many car accident victims. This injury can be the result of being struck from behind as well as an impact to the side of your vehicle.  The injury occurs due to a violent forward-backward or side to side motion of the neck. This sudden movement can result in damage to vertebrae, muscles, nerves, and discs in the victim’s neck. Common symptoms of this type of injury include dizziness, headaches, the stiffness of the neck, nausea, and pain that spreads through the region. Recovery from neck injuries can take weeks if not months. An accident can be very traumatizing both physical and emotional; it can be difficult to focus on obtaining information and documenting exactly what happened as soon as possible after the accident, however, this step is very important. One of the most important things to do is stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement officers arrive. It is also vital that you get a medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries you have sustained. Even if you have no physical symptoms you should seek a medical evaluation. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City can help you understand your rights and help you obtain compensation for your injury. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation. 

Common Holiday Season Injuries

The holiday season should ideally be a time for festivities and having fun with family and friends. However, according to several safety and health organizations, it can also be a time for an increased number of accidents and injuries. From traveling to cooking to decorating, holiday activities pose real dangers, particularly when people are distracted by all the festivities and fun. 5 Common Holiday Accidents and Injuries and How to Prevent Them 1. Fires The United States Fire Administration says that fires caused by heating, cooking, and open flames all increase during the holiday season. Unfortunately, such fires tend to be severer than average fires during the year in terms of losses. To help prevent fires during the holiday season, avoid leaving fireplaces, cooking appliances, portable heaters, candles, and holiday lights unattended. It is also important to ensure that your smoke alarm is working properly and that your friends and family know what to do in case of fire. 2. Car Accidents The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year and with that comes an increased risk for accidents. Accidents may occur due to the winter driving conditions, increased number of travelers, drunk driving, and distracted driving. To keep you and your family safe, always wear your seatbelt, avoid using your phone or any other distractions when you drive, and drive cautiously on the slippery, icy roads. If you do plan to take alcohol, always have a designated driver. 3. Falls, Trips, and Slips The Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates that about 5,800 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained from falls that involve holiday decorations. Additionally, about 4,000 more are treated for injuries from extension cords and ladders. When you are decorating for the holidays, it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that a ladder or stool is stable before you actually step on it. 4. Electrocutions The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to outdoor and indoor electrical decoration mishaps during the holiday season. The leading cause of electrocutions during the holiday season is careless decorating. To avoid electrocutions during the holiday season, use authentic extension cords and LED holiday lights; avoid overloading electrical sockets, avoid touching electric wires when wet; and unplugging electrical holiday decorations before leaving the house or going to sleep. 5. Choking During the holidays season, young children want to get dolls, action figures, and other toys with moveable parts for their holiday gifts. Without close supervision, a curious child might swallow small bits of their toys and choke. When you buy a present for your child or he/she accepts one from a family friend, review the packaging and instructions to ensure that there are no dangerous choking hazards. Final Thoughts The holiday season should ideally be full of joy and laughter, but an injury can easily derail your plans. If you have been seriously injured due to the negligence of someone else, get in touch with a reputable personal injury lawyer today to discuss the details of your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.   

Personal Injury Lawyer For Oil Field Injuries

Ever watch the movie Deepwater Horizon? The dangers of working in the oil and gas industry are featured in it. While of course, Mark Wahlberg plus the special effects don’t really paint the real thing, they drive the point home; working in oilfields is a deadly job! In fact, according to data from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), severe injury rates for support activities for oil and gas operations 2015-2016 was 148.9 per 100,000 workers. By relating the number of injuries to the size of the oil and gas industry, it is clear that the aforementioned rate of severe injuries is pretty high. So, why the extremely high rates of injuries in the oil and gas industry? Oil extraction is not only complicated but also involves many employees working together with different equipment and machinery. The lucrative oil and gas industry has brought considerable job growth to Oklahoma City. While jobs are a big win, it is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room, workers at Oklahoma oil fields face considerable risks while on the job. The dangers range from exposure to toxic chemicals, fires and explosions, hazards of operating heavy machinery, and so on. Dangers Oil Field Employees Face 1. Oil Field Vehicle Collisions Some of the fatal injuries in the oil industry result from transportation accidents. Often, oil fields are located in remote areas. As a result, there is a lot of long distance travelling usually with heavy trucks. While most of the drivers undergo rigorous training to operate the vehicles used, driving in uncharted territory and the long driving shifts can be overwhelming even for the most experienced drivers. 2. Falls on Oil Fields Falls on oil fields cover both workers falling from oil rig platforms and falling objects falling on workers. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employees being struck by falling equipment or objects is the most common type of oil field accidents. When working on an oil rig, it doesn’t take much to lose balance or slip and fall. Imagine falling from a height of say 330 feet! Or being crushed by a 40-ton metal bar! It would be fatal. And if you survived either, the chances are that you would suffer from severe neck, brain or back injury, plus multiple broken bones. Potential Injuries For Oil Field Workers Examples of injuries that employees might incur in an oil field include: Vision loss Brain damage Bone fractures Burns Lacerations Finger, toe, arm or leg amputation Why You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer Oilfield workers in Oklahoma City face genuine and deadly risks. Moreover, potential injuries range from minor to severe injuries. Sometimes, these injuries have life-long effects. Have you been injured while working on an oil field? If the answer is yes, then you need a personal injury lawyer. A reputable worker’s compensation law firm such as Little Oliver Gallagher can not only help you understand the claims process but also help you pursue compensation. Regardless of the nature of the injury, remember that your life will no longer be the same; you need an experienced and conscientious lawyer to get you the compensation you rightly deserve. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.