Slip and fall accidents happen when you least expect them—at the grocery store, on a wet sidewalk, or in a poorly lit parking lot. While some result in only minor bruises, others can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or long-term mobility issues. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Tahlequah, you may be wondering whether you need a lawyer. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Slip and Fall Liability in Oklahoma
Oklahoma premises liability law requires property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If you slip and fall due to a dangerous condition—like a spill that wasn’t cleaned up, a broken step, or a hidden hazard—the property owner may be legally responsible for your injuries. But to recover compensation, you must prove that:
- The property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazard
- They failed to correct or warn you about the danger
- That failure directly caused your fall and injuries
When to Consider Hiring a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Not every slip and fall case requires legal representation. But in many cases, having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in your outcome. You should strongly consider hiring a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries that required medical treatment
- You missed work or lost income due to the fall
- The property owner denies liability or blames you
- An insurance company offers a low settlement or delays your claim
- You’re unsure what your case is worth or how to prove fault
A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your fall, gather evidence (like surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records), and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
What Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Claim?
If your slip and fall was due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses (like transportation or home modifications)
The amount of your recovery depends on the severity of your injuries, how the accident happened, and the evidence available to support your claim. It also matters that your claim falls within the statute of limitations, or else the court will likely dismiss the case.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially responsible for your fall—for example, if you were distracted or ignored a posted warning—you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if the court finds you to be more than 50% at fault, you may be unable to recover anything. A lawyer can help defend you against unfair blame and work to maximize your recovery.
Talk to a Tahlequah Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’re hurt in a slip and fall accident in Tahlequah, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. For a free and confidential consultation with one of the personal injury team members at Tahlequah Lawyers, call 539-867-2321. Or follow this link to ask an online legal question.