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Personal injuries can have a life-changing impact on individuals and their families. In Oklahoma, where diverse industries like agriculture, oil and gas, and construction contribute to the state’s economy, the risk of these common types of personal injury cases is ever-present. Whether it’s a car accident on a busy highway, a fall at work, or medical malpractice, victims of personal injuries often find themselves navigating complex legal and medical issues. This blog will explore Oklahoma’s top five most common personal injuries, their causes, and how individuals can seek justice and compensation.

Top 5 Type of Personal Injury Cases

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are Oklahoma’s leading cause of personal injury, reflecting national trends. The state’s vast road network, coupled with factors like speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, make car crashes a frequent occurrence.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Oklahoma:

• Speeding: Oklahoma has high-speed limits, and drivers who exceed them increase the chances of severe accidents.
• Distracted Driving: With the growing use of smartphones, distracted driving is a significant cause of car accidents in the state.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, leading to dangerous driving behaviors. Oklahoma has strict laws regarding DUI, but accidents related to drunk driving still happen regularly.

Types of Injuries From Car Accidents:

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by sudden head jerking, familiar in rear-end collisions.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a crash often leads to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis.

Seeking Legal Help:

Victims of car accidents often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Personal injury claims in car accident cases typically involve proving the other party’s negligence. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim from a car accident is two years from the accident date.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are another common type of personal injury in Oklahoma. These accidents typically occur when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, leading to hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents:

• Retail Stores and Shopping Malls: Slippery floors, broken tiles, and cluttered walkways can result in slip and fall injuries.
• Workplaces: Due to hazardous work environments, slip-and-fall accidents are prevalent, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing.
• Public Spaces: Parks, sidewalks, and government buildings must be maintained for safety, but negligence can lead to accidents.

Types of Injuries From Slip and Falls:

Slip and fall injuries can range from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:

• Fractures and Broken Bones, Particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips, as people tend to brace themselves when falling.
• Head Injuries: Falls can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Sprains and Strains: These soft tissue injuries can be painful and may require extended recovery time.
• Back and Spine Injuries: Severe falls can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in long-term issues or even paralysis.

Legal Recourse:

Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability law. Property owners must keep their premises safe, and failure to do so may result in liability for injuries. Victims have two years to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma.

3. Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries are particularly common in Oklahoma due to its heavy reliance on industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and construction, where the risk of accidents is high. Workplace injuries can occur in any field, from office settings to more hazardous environments.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries:

• Lifting and Overexertion: Physical labor, especially in construction or warehousing, often results in injuries from overexertion or improper lifting.
• Falls from Heights: Construction workers are especially prone to falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs.
• Machinery Accidents: In industries like manufacturing, improper machinery or defective equipment use can result in severe injuries.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Workers in industries like oil and gas may be exposed to dangerous chemicals, which can lead to long-term health complications.

Types of Workplace Injuries:

Workplace injuries can range from minor to severe, including:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Sprains, strains, and back injuries are common in physically demanding jobs.
• Burns: Chemical or thermal burns can occur in manufacturing or oil production industries.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp tools or machinery can cause severe cuts.
• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise, especially in industrial environments, can damage permanent hearing.

Workers’ Compensation:

Oklahoma has a workers’ compensation system that benefits employees injured on the job. However, if someone other than the employer is responsible for the injury, a third-party personal injury claim may also be appropriate.

4. Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, provide substandard care that results in injury or harm to a patient. These cases are complex and require proving that the medical provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.

Common Examples of Medical Malpractice:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Not diagnosing a condition promptly can worsen health outcomes.
• Surgical Errors: Errors made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the body, can have severe consequences.
• Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can result in harm or even death.
• Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth can result in lifelong disabilities for the child, such as cerebral palsy.

Types of Injuries From Medical Malpractice:

• Permanent Disability: Some medical errors lead to irreversible damage or lifelong disabilities.
• Infections: Poor post-operative care or unsanitary conditions can result in severe infections.
• Death: Medical malpractice is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., and Oklahoma is no exception.

Legal Challenges:

Medical malpractice cases in Oklahoma require expert testimony to prove negligence and deviation from the standard of care. Victims typically have two years from the date of injury to file a claim, but there are exceptions depending on the circumstances.

5. Product Liability

Product liability cases arise when a defective or dangerous product causes injury to a consumer. These cases can involve anything from faulty machinery and appliances to defective pharmaceuticals.

Common Examples of Product Liability:

• Defective Vehicles: Faulty brakes, airbags, or other car components can lead to accidents and injury.
• Pharmaceuticals: Dangerous side effects or incorrect dosages of medications can cause harm or even death.
• Consumer Products: Products like electronics, children’s toys, or household appliances can cause injury if poorly designed or manufactured.

Types of Injuries From Defective Products:

• Burns and Electrocution: Faulty electrical products can result in severe burn injuries or electrocution.
• Poisoning: Defective drugs or chemical products can cause poisoning or other health complications.
• Choking Hazards: Particularly with children’s toys, small parts can pose a choking hazard.

Legal Recourse:

In Oklahoma, product liability cases fall under strict liability, meaning the injured party does not have to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused the injury.

Conclusion

Oklahoma sees various personal injury cases, ranging from car accidents and workplace injuries to medical malpractice and product liability. Each type of injury can have significant financial, emotional, and physical consequences for the victims.

Understanding the common causes and legal avenues available for seeking compensation can help injured parties make informed decisions about their rights and recovery. Whether through personal injury lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims, Oklahoma law provides a framework for victims to pursue justice.

Ask an expert personal injury attorney questions about your specific case, book your free consultation today!

Contact us at (405) 607-8757 or fill out our contact form here.