Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor, fell on an icy sidewalk, or were injured on unsafe commercial property, knowing how long you have to file a claim is critical to protecting your rights.

If you’re searching for guidance from an Oklahoma City slip-and-fall injury attorney, one of the most important things to understand is that Oklahoma law imposes a strict deadline on personal injury claims, including slip-and-fall cases. Missing that deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are.

Here’s what you need to know about Oklahoma’s statute of limitations, the few exceptions that exist, and why timing matters so much after a slip-and-fall accident.

Oklahoma’s Statute of Limitations for Slip-and-Fall Cases

Oklahoma’s personal injury statute (12 O.S. § 95) generally allows two years to bring a slip-and-fall claim.

That means:

• You have two years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit.
• The deadline applies whether the accident happened in a store, apartment complex, parking lot, or other property.
• The clock starts ticking the day the injury occurs, not when you discover its full impact.

If you fail to file within this two-year window, the court will almost always dismiss your case, regardless of how strong the evidence is or how severe your injuries may be.

Filing deadlines are in place to make sure cases are filed while evidence is still available and memories are fresh. Once that window closes, your ability to take legal action usually expires. 

Why Waiting Can Hurt Your Slip-and-Fall Claim

Although two years may sound like plenty of time, waiting to take action can weaken a slip-and-fall claim. Evidence in these cases is often temporary, and delays give property owners time to fix hazards or allow evidence to disappear.

Critical evidence in slip-and-fall cases can vanish quickly, including:

• Surveillance footage (often erased within days or weeks)
• Incident reports that go missing or are altered
• Witness memories fade over time
• Dangerous conditions repaired before documentation

According to the National Safety Council, slip-and-fall accidents accounted for over 8 million emergency room visits in 2023. Yet many victims delay legal action, assuming they can wait and see how their injuries heal.

Unfortunately, that delay often works in the property owner’s favor.

An experienced lawyer can preserve evidence, request security footage, document hazardous conditions, and protect your claim before it weakens.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline?

While Oklahoma’s statute of limitations is strict, there are limited exceptions that may extend the deadline in rare cases, such as:

Injured Minors

When the injured person is a minor, the filing deadline is typically suspended until the person reaches the age of majority plus one year, so prior to their 19^th birthday in Oklahoma.

Claims Against Government Entities

If your fall occurred on government property (such as a city building or sidewalk), special rules apply. You must file a notice of claim within one year; if the government denies the claim, you have 180 days to take your case to court.

Because these exceptions are limited and depend on the facts of the case, it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine how the law applies to your case.

Why You Should Act Long Before the Deadline

Waiting too long can undermine a valid claim. Getting started early allows your legal team to:

• Secure surveillance footage before it’s erased
• Identify and interview witnesses
• Document hazardous conditions
• Preserve maintenance records
• Consult medical experts if needed

Insurance companies also take claims more seriously when they are backed by timely evidence and legal representation.

Our personal injury lawyers know from experience how quickly slip-and-fall evidence can disappear and how aggressively insurance companies fight to avoid responsibility.

Take Action Before Time Runs Out

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, time matters. Oklahoma law places strict limits on how long you have to take legal action, and missing that deadline can cost you your right to compensation.

Even if you believe you still have time, speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later can make a difference to the outcome of your claim. Early action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

Our legal team can help you understand your options, evaluate your claim, and act before critical evidence is lost.

Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you might already be wondering: How long is this going to take? It’s a fair question when medical bills are piling up, your daily routine is disrupted, and the insurance company seems in no rush to help.

Oklahoma generally allows injured people two years to file slip-and-fall injury lawsuits, but the strongest cases begin long before that deadline, as evidence and witness memories fade quickly.

The most important thing to remember is that speed rarely equals maximum compensation. A slip-and-fall case moves as quickly, or as slowly, as the facts and the injuries allow.

As experienced slip & fall injury attorneys, Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers helps clients understand the process, avoid lowball offers, and stay focused on healing and recovering full compensation.

What Determines How Long a Slip-and-Fall Case Takes?

Every slip-and-fall case is different, but several factors influence how long your case may take from start to finish, including:

1. The Severity of Your Injuries

Your injuries play a huge role in determining a timeline. Minor sprains may heal within weeks, while fractures, herniated discs, or traumatic brain injuries can require months, or even years, of treatment.

For example, a herniated disc caused by slipping on an unmarked wet floor may require months of physical therapy and possibly injections, and negotiations usually can’t begin until doctors determine whether surgery is necessary.

Insurance companies typically refuse to negotiate the full value of a claim until:

• You’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• Doctors understand your future care needs.
• Long-term effects are documented.

Settling too soon means you risk accepting compensation that doesn’t cover ongoing care, future treatment, or long-term disability.

2. How Strong the Evidence Is

Slip-and-fall cases depend on proving the property owner failed to keep the premises reasonably safe.

For instance, a case with clear surveillance video of a customer slipping on a puddle may settle faster than one where the property owner cleaned the spill immediately, and no one saw the customer fall.

Slip-and-fall cases require evidence such as:

• Surveillance video
• Photographs of the hazard
• Incident reports
• Witness statements
• Maintenance logs
• Medical records
• Expert testimony

When evidence is clear and immediately available, the case often moves much faster.  However, if footage is missing, witnesses are difficult to locate, or the hazard was cleaned up before it was documented, the investigation may take longer.

This is why calling an attorney right away is crucial; evidence can disappear within hours.

3. The Insurance Company’s Willingness to Negotiate

Some insurers negotiate fairly from the beginning. Others deny, delay, or offer insultingly low settlements.

For example, if the insurance company argues that you “should have been watching where you were walking,” your attorney may need extra time to gather witness statements or expert testimony to counter that argument.

An insurance company may slow the process if it believes:

• Your injuries are exaggerated
• Liability is unclear
• Their policyholder wasn’t at fault
• You’re eager to settle quickly

Experienced attorneys know how to counter these tactics, build a strong case file, and position your claim for a successful settlement. But this advocacy takes time, and that time often results in higher compensation for victims.

What a Typical Slip-and-Fall Timeline Looks Like

Although every case is unique, most slip-and-fall claims follow a predictable sequence:

• Investigation and Evidence Collection (Weeks to Months): Your attorney gathers facts, obtains video recordings, interviews witnesses, and requests property maintenance records.

• Medical Treatment and Recovery (Months): You treat your injuries while your legal team monitors your progress. Settlement talks usually don’t begin until your injuries stabilize.

• Settlement Negotiations (Weeks to Months): After calculating damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs, your attorney demands compensation from the insurer. Some cases settle quickly, while others require multiple rounds of negotiation.

• Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary (Months to One Year or Longer): If the insurer refuses a fair amount, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Litigation takes longer, but many cases still settle before trial.

Why Rushing a Slip-and-Fall Settlement Can Cost You

Insurance companies know you’re under financial pressure. They use that to their advantage.

Quick settlements usually:

• Ignore long-term medical needs
• Underestimate lost income
• Fail to include future pain and suffering
• Save the insurer money, not you

A fair settlement takes time because it reflects the full picture of your injuries and losses.

How Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers Helps Speed Up the Process

Although slip-and-fall claims take time, hiring the right attorney early can shorten your wait and strengthen your case.

 At Parrish DeVaughn, we:

• Move fast to secure surveillance footage
• Collect medical records and documentation as treatment progresses
• Communicate with insurers so you don’t have to
• Build a comprehensive case file from the start
• Push back against delay tactics that slow down your claim
• Negotiate strategically for maximum compensation

The earlier you contact us, the more control we have over the process, and the sooner your claim can move forward.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Slip & Fall Injury Attorneys Today

If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast, and the insurance company is already working to minimize your claim.

Contact us for a free case review. Our team will protect your rights from day one, gather critical documentation, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

You focus on healing; we’ll handle everything else.

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere: a grocery store aisle, a restaurant bathroom, or an icy parking lot. Most victims assume that filing a claim with the property owner’s insurance company will result in fair compensation for their injuries and expenses. Unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works.

Reach out to our experienced team as soon as possible if you’ve been injured. We’ll help you preserve evidence, deal with their insurer, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies have one goal: to minimize payouts. As soon as they’re notified of a slip-and-fall accident, their adjusters and attorneys work to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. Knowing their common tactics can help you stay one step ahead.

1. Blaming the Victim

One of the first strategies insurers use is shifting blame onto the injured person. They might argue that you weren’t paying attention, ignored warning signs, or wore inappropriate footwear.

For example, if you slipped on a wet floor, an adjuster might claim the hazard was open and obvious, meaning any reasonable person would have noticed it. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law, your compensation can be reduced or even denied if you’re found partially at fault for your accident.

How to Protect Yourself: Document the scene as soon as possible. Take photographs or videos of the hazard, lighting conditions, footwear, and any missing warning signs. These details can make a difference when proving liability later.

2. Downplaying Your Injuries

Even when liability is clear, insurance adjusters often try to minimize the seriousness of your injuries. They might suggest that your pain is exaggerated, unrelated to the fall, or due to a preexisting condition.

It’s a common tactic to reduce your medical payout. They know that connecting your injuries to the fall is harder without strong medical documentation.

How to Protect Yourself: Always seek medical care right after an accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or spinal injuries, can take days or weeks to appear. Medical records created soon after the fall serve as powerful evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

3. The “Quick Settlement” Trap

Many victims face immediate stress after a slip-and-fall, including medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about recovery. Insurance adjusters know this and may offer a fast settlement that seems helpful at first glance.

However, these early offers are usually far below what your claim is worth. They’re made before you’ve completed medical treatment or fully understand the long-term costs of your injuries, such as physical therapy or future surgeries.

How to Protect Yourself: Never sign anything or accept a settlement before consulting an attorney. You typically can’t reopen your claim once you agree to a payout, even if new complications arise.

4. Using Recorded Statements Against You

Another common tactic is asking you to provide a recorded statement to clarify what happened. It may sound routine, but these conversations are designed to catch you off guard. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions or take your words out of context to weaken your claim.

Something as simple as saying “I didn’t see the spill” or “I’m feeling better” can later be twisted into evidence that you weren’t careful or seriously injured.

How to Protect Yourself: Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal representation. An attorney can handle all communication with the insurer to ensure that nothing you say can be used against you.

5. Questioning Liability Through Open and Obvious Hazards

Insurance companies often claim that the hazard that caused your fall, like a cracked sidewalk or spilled liquid, was so visible that you should have avoided it. This open-and-obvious defense is used frequently in Oklahoma premises liability cases.

But reality isn’t always that simple. Lighting, distractions, crowding, or even display placement can make hazards difficult to notice. Property owners are still obligated to maintain safe conditions, regardless of whether a hazard was theoretically visible.

How to Protect Yourself: Collect witness statements, surveillance footage, and any available maintenance or incident reports. These details can counter the open-and-obvious defense and prove negligence.

6. Delaying or Ignoring Your Claim

Sometimes, insurers use delay as a weapon. They may drag out the investigation, lose paperwork, or fail to respond to calls, hoping you get frustrated, accept a low offer, and move on.

How to Protect Yourself: Keep detailed records of every interaction with the insurer, including dates and names of representatives you speak with. An attorney can hold the company accountable and push the process forward.

Why Getting Legal Help Matters

Insurance companies have experience, money, and a team of professionals. You deserve the same level of protection. A skilled attorney at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can take over communication with insurers, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t let the property owner’s insurer pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. Contact us for a free case review, and let our experienced legal team protect your rights.

A quick stop for groceries shouldn’t end in the ER, but it happens more often than you think. A slick floor, loose handrail, or dark stairwell is all it takes for a typical day to turn into months of pain, medical bills, and missed work.

Accidents like these aren’t just a matter of bad luck; they often occur when property owners fail to prioritize basic safety. In Oklahoma, they have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for guests.

Some hazards are harder to see, but many are right in plain view. Here are five common warning signs of negligence to look out for, along with tips for protecting your rights in the event of an accident.

1. Poor Lighting in Stairwells or Parking Lots

Dim or missing lighting in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways makes it difficult to see hazards ahead. Steps, curbs, and uneven pavement can blend into the darkness, and shadowed areas increase the chances of a serious fall.

Signs of neglected lighting include:

• Overhead lights that flicker or stay burned out for days
• Fixtures with broken covers or missing bulbs
• Entire rows of lights turned off or disconnected

When lights remain in this condition, it’s a red flag that the property isn’t being monitored or repaired. Poor visibility makes falls more likely and can also make people vulnerable to physical violence or theft.

2. Broken Handrails or Uneven Steps

Stairways are among the most common places for falls, accounting for over one million ER visits in the U.S. every year. Loose handrails or damaged steps can turn climbing stairs into a safety risk.

Warning signs of poor upkeep include:

• Handrails that wobble, pull away from the wall, or end too soon
• Steps that tilt, crack, or feel unstable underfoot
• Missing or broken guardrails along elevated staircases

Stairs in this condition point to long-term neglect and a lack of inspection, putting visitors at risk of a serious fall.

3. Slippery Floors Without Warning Signs

Property owners and staff are responsible for warning visitors when floors are wet or slippery, often by placing a yellow caution sign. Spills and slick surfaces can lead to unexpected accidents without proper warnings.

Examples of negligence include:

• Failing to place mats or cones in wet entryways during rain or snow
• Ignoring spilled liquids in store aisles
• Mopping floors without setting up caution signs

Broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma are often results of slip and fall accidents. When no effort is made to warn guests, the property owner may be liable.

4. Overgrown Landscaping Blocking Walkways

Outdoor spaces require the same attention as indoor areas. When landscaping is neglected, it can spill into walkways and create hazardous conditions for anyone passing by.

These dangers can include:

• Branches hanging low enough to strike pedestrians
• Sidewalks buckled by spreading tree roots
• Shrubs tall enough to block sightlines near entrances or parking areas

Neglected growth doesn’t just look untidy; it creates tripping hazards, hides cracks in the pavement, and makes it harder for people to see what’s ahead.

5. Exposed Wiring or Crumbling Concrete

Damaged concrete and exposed wiring are clear signs of poor maintenance and pose immediate risks of injury to anyone nearby.

You may notice issues like:

• Wires hanging from ceilings, outlets, or walls
• Uneven sidewalks with cracks or sections lifted at the edges
• Railings, steps, or balconies with loose or broken concrete chunks

These conditions put visitors at risk of electrocution, dangerous falls, or structural collapse, and ignoring such obvious damage shows a disregard for safety.

Steps to Take After an Injury Caused by Property Owner Negligence

If unsafe property conditions lead to your injury, you can pursue legal action against the owner.

Here’s how to gather the evidence you need to support your claim:

• Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Collect names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor.

After documenting the scene, speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney. Our team can investigate the conditions, gather evidence, and hold the negligent property owner accountable for your damages.

Get Legal Help for Your Slip and Fall Lawsuit

Unsafe property conditions are more than an inconvenience; they put lives at risk. When owners fail to repair hazards or warn guests, Oklahoma law allows injured visitors to pursue compensation.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we accept nothing less than what our clients deserve after serious, life-altering injuries. Our team builds evidence-backed claims that insurance companies can’t ignore; whether that means turning a denied claim into a successful one or increasing a lowball offer into a maximum settlement.

Premises liability cases are time-sensitive, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. Call today for a free consultation, and let us fight for every penny you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A serious fall can change your life. Whether slipping in a grocery store or tripping over a broken stair, these accidents often lead to costly medical bills, time away from work, and a long recovery.

If unsafe property conditions caused your fall, you may have the right to hold the owner responsible, but doing so means building a strong case to prove fault.

To do that, attorneys must show that a hazard existed, that the property owner knew or should have known about it, and that they failed to correct the issue or warn others in time.

But how do they prove that responsibility? What kind of evidence helps show how the fall happened, and who was to blame?

Learn how experienced Oklahoma City slip and fall injury attorneys gather evidence, identify negligence, and prepare a claim backed by facts.

Investigate the Scene

Lawyers start by examining the location where the fall happened to understand what caused it and whether the danger was obvious or hidden. They look for evidence such as:

• Tripping hazards like uneven pavement or loose flooring
• Wet or slippery surfaces with no warning signs
• Poor lighting or cluttered walkways
• Evidence that the hazard has existed for a while, such as water stains or worn materials

Even if the property owner cleaned up the area after the fall, photos, inspection reports, or previous maintenance can still reveal patterns of neglect. Lawyers may also bring in a safety consultant or investigator to document the scene when needed.

Review Surveillance Footage

Video evidence is often crucial in slip-and-fall cases because it objectively records what happened. Many commercial and residential properties in Oklahoma City have security cameras positioned in entryways, walkways, and other shared spaces.

Attorneys move quickly to do the following on your behalf:

• Request footage before it’s deleted or recorded over
• Review clips showing the fall and the moments leading up to it
• Determine how long the hazard was present
• Observe how employees or staff responded, if at all

Footage showing employees walking past a spill without addressing it or failing to place warning signs can help support a claim that the property owner ignored a known safety hazard.

Interviewing Witnesses

Statements from people who saw the fall or the conditions leading up to it can help strengthen the timeline and support your account of what happened.

Legal teams collect statements from:

• Customers, tenants, or visitors who saw the fall
• Employees or maintenance workers familiar with the property
• Bystanders who heard comments or saw how staff responded

In some cases, a witness might also confirm that the issue had been a recurring problem or that others had tripped in the same area.

Examining Maintenance Records and Prior Complaints

Oklahoma property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. Maintenance logs, repair reports, and complaint records help show whether they took that responsibility seriously.

Lawyers often review the following to support your claim:

• Inspection schedules to see how often the area was checked
• Cleaning or repair logs that may show skipped routines
• Internal reports about known problems that were never fixed
• Complaints from tenants, employees, or past visitors

When these documents show that a hazard was reported but ignored, it becomes much harder for the property owner to deny liability.

Citing Building Codes and Safety Standards

Certain conditions violate Oklahoma building codes or fire safety regulations. Others may not break the law but still reflect poor upkeep or unsafe practices.

Attorneys may use as evidence:

• Local code violations, such as missing handrails or uneven stairs
• Industry safety standards, like using the wrong type of flooring in a high-traffic area
• Reports from city inspections or past citations
• Renovation records showing outdated or non-compliant features left in place

These findings help demonstrate how the property failed to meet basic safety standards, contributing to the accident.

Using Medical Records To Link the Fall to Injuries

Property owners often try to downplay the injury or argue it wasn’t caused by the fall. Medical records help counter those claims by linking the incident to the physical harm you suffered.

Your attorney may gather the following documents:

• Emergency room records and diagnostic notes
• Imaging results, such as X-rays or MRIs
• Follow-up evaluations and physical therapy reports
• Documentation of missed work or limited mobility

Together, these records help prove the injury was related to the fall, show the extent of the damage, and document the pain, limitations, and financial losses you’ve experienced.

Relying on Expert Testimony

Attorneys often collaborate with expert witnesses to explain how the fall happened and provide testimony on the extent of your injuries. This can be important if your case involves long-term effects or technical safety issues.

These experts may include:

• Safety engineers who assess the hazard and how it caused the fall
• Medical professionals who explain the injury and long-term care needs
• Vocational experts who evaluate how the injury affects your ability to work

Their insights help establish the cause of the fall, how serious the injury is, and how it will affect your life moving forward.

Get Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Slip and Fall Case

After a serious fall, it’s not always easy to prove what happened or why. Property owners may deny responsibility; without solid evidence, it’s hard to hold a negligent business or landlord accountable.

Our attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers understand how complex these cases can be. With years of experience handling slip and fall claims in Oklahoma City, we act quickly to gather critical evidence and build a case that connects the hazard to your injury. 

Every action we take protects your rights, proves liability, and pursues the full compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the maximum settlement you need to move forward.

Because slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious injuries, it’s important for victims to get legal representation as soon as possible. Property owners often deny liability for these accidents and injuries, and without a lawyer on their side, it’s common for victims to end up paying for their injury-related expenses out of pocket.

If you’re thinking about hiring a slip-and-fall lawyer to handle your injury claim, you may be wondering how the process works and what your lawyer will do to help you get compensation. While each slip-and-fall injury claim is different, most follow a similar path throughout the investigation process.

In this blog, we’ll explore that process to help you understand how your lawyer is working for you and what you can expect every step of the way.

8 Steps Your Lawyer Will Take to Build Your Claim

When we build slip-and-fall claims at Parrish DeVaughn, we follow these eight critical steps to maximize our clients’ chances of getting full compensation.

1. Gathering Evidence from the Scene

We begin a slip-and-fall investigation by collecting as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes visiting the location to inspect and document any hazards that may have contributed to the fall. We also take photographs and videos of dangerous conditions such as wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, broken steps, or missing handrails.

If the accident occurred in a business or public space, we check for security cameras and request any available surveillance footage. Preserving this evidence is essential, as property owners may attempt to fix the hazard after the incident, making it more challenging to prove negligence.

2. Interviewing Witnesses

Witness testimony can be a powerful tool in proving fault. We speak with people who witnessed the accident or were aware of the hazardous condition beforehand.

By collecting written or recorded statements, we can strengthen our client’s case with independent accounts that confirm the dangerous conditions. In some situations, employees or tenants may provide important information about whether the hazard had been reported previously, how long it existed, or whether management ignored prior complaints.

3. Reviewing Incident Reports

If an accident report was filed at the time of the fall, we obtain a copy and review its details carefully. Many businesses, apartment complexes, and public spaces have procedures for documenting incidents, and these reports can provide important information about what happened, who was involved, and what actions were taken afterward. Analyzing these reports helps us determine whether the property owner or management was aware of the hazard and how they responded.

4. Examining Medical Records

We gather medical records from emergency room visits, doctor evaluations, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans to establish the link between the accident and our client’s injuries. We also consult with medical experts to assess their injuries’ severity and long-term effects. By building a strong medical record, we can show the full extent of our client’s suffering and its impact on their daily life and ability to work.

5. Determining Liability

We analyze property ownership and management records of the location where our client was injured to determine who was legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions. We also review maintenance logs, cleaning schedules, and safety policies to identify any lapses in duty. If the property owner, landlord, business, or government entity failed to address known hazards or neglected regular inspections, we work to hold them (and/or their insurer) financially accountable for our client’s injuries.

6. Analyzing Local Laws and Building Codes

We examine local building codes, safety regulations, and ADA compliance laws to determine whether any legal violations contributed to the accident. Slips and falls due to poor property design, improper maintenance, or failure to meet safety standards is often considered strong evidence of negligence. In some cases, we even work with building inspectors and safety experts to get professional assessments that reinforce our findings of negligence and strengthen our clients’ claims.

7. Calculating Damages

We carefully calculate our client’s damages by reviewing their current and future medical expenses, current and future lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and any long-term care they’ll require. We also account for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or reduced quality of life. It’s our goal to ensure our clients get fair and full settlements to cover all of their injury-related expenses—not just the ones they’re facing when they contact us.

8. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, we present a demand package to the responsible party’s insurance company. This includes detailed documentation of the accident, proof of liability, and a calculation of all related damages.

During this process, we negotiate aggressively while countering any attempts by the insurer to undervalue or deny our client’s claim. Our experience in handling insurance companies and their tactics helps give our clients peace of mind while they focus on getting better. And if the insurance company refuses to pay our client a fair settlement, we don’t hesitate to take their case to trial to help them get the money they deserve.

Get Our Experienced Oklahoma City Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyers on Your Side

Time is of the essence after a slip-and-fall injury. Evidence can quickly disappear, making it difficult to definitively prove the property owner’s negligence. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start collecting evidence and building your claim.

Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers is ready to help, and our Oklahoma City slip-and-fall injury attorneys have the track record of success you need to maximize your chances of success. Contact us today for a free case review.

A slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, a wet floor, or a broken step can leave you with serious injuries and a long road to recovery.Missing work while recovering from an injury can be financially devastating.

In the U.S., non-fatal injuries result in an average of 11 lost workdays and $1,590 in missed pay. A brain injury can stretch that to nearly 20 days and $2,787, making it even harder to stay afloat.

If a property owner’s negligence caused injuries that kept you from working in Oklahoma, you have the right to seek compensation for lost wages. But what types of income losses qualify, and what evidence do you need to support your claim?

Learn what counts as lost income, how to calculate it, and why working with an experienced Oklahoma City slip-and-fall injury lawyer can help you recover what you’re owed.

Understanding Lost Wages in a Slip-and-Fall Injury Claim

When you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the financial impact can extend beyond immediate medical bills. Lost wages refer to the income you’re unable to earn due to your injury and include:

A clear understanding of these categories helps ensure that every aspect of your financial loss is accurately included in your claim.

How To Calculate and Prove Lost Wages After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

To prove lost wages, you’ll need solid documentation and a clear explanation of how your injury impacted your ability to work. Follow these steps to assess the full financial impact of your injuries:

• Gather Medical Records: Collect doctor’s notes, treatment plans, and work restriction letters to establish how long the injury prevented you from working.

• Confirm Pay Rate and Hours: Request a statement from your employer detailing your hourly wage or salary, scheduled hours, and total missed workdays to calculate base lost earnings.

• Calculate Lost Benefits: If you are unable to return to work, request documentation from HR showing the value of lost health insurance, retirement contributions, or stock options, and add these amounts to total lost wages.

• Include Missed Promotions or Contracts: Collect offer letters, emails, or employer statements confirming a lost raise, promotion, or contract, and use past earnings or salary projections to estimate the impact.

• Review Financial Records: Review pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to calculate your average earnings, factoring in bonuses, commissions, and any income fluctuations.

• Estimate Long-Term Losses: Consult vocational experts to assess whether the injury affects future earning capacity, and use economic projections to estimate lost future income.

Following these steps with the guidance of an experienced slip-and-fall attorney can help ensure that all financial losses, both immediate and long-term, are fully accounted for in your claim.

Why Hiring an Attorney Can Help You Maximize Compensation for Lost Wages

Handling a slip-and-fall claim while recovering from injuries can be stressful. A qualified slip-and-fall attorney can protect your interests and help you maximize compensation in the following ways:

• Collect medical records, employer statements, and pay stubs to prove how the injury affected income.
• Calculate total financial losses, including current wages, future earnings, reduced earning capacity, and lost benefits.
• Review potential missed promotions or lost contracts and gather evidence to include them in the claim.
• Negotiate with insurers to challenge low settlement offers and fight for full compensation.
• File a lawsuit and present a strong case in court if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount.

At Parrish DeVaughn, we understand that every dollar counts when you’re out of work. Our team has secured millions for injury victims, ensuring they recover both medical costs and lost wages.

Get the Lost Wages You’re Entitled to With Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident and are facing lost wages as a result, don’t handle this challenging time alone. Contact Parrish DeVaughn to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to support you, fight for your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

After a slip and fall on someone else’s property, what happens if the property owner throws a wrench into your ability to get compensation for your injury by not only refusing to accept liability, but instead blaming you for the accident?

This scenario happens more often than you think, and it can lead to a major headache for victims and their families. Property owners who victim-blame are often looking to reduce or eliminate their own liability, especially when they lack proper insurance or don’t want to pay increased premiums. However, you still have options for correctly assigning fault to them and getting the compensation you deserve.

Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and your rights when a property owner points their finger at you after you get injured on their premises.

5 Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights

It can be shocking to be blamed by a property owner after an injury—especially if you believe it’s clear that dangerous conditions on their property contributed to or caused your injury. Fortunately, taking the right steps can disarm their arguments.

If you suspect a property owner might blame you for your slip-and-fall injury, you should:

1. Stay Calm and Document Everything: Note the date, time, and location of your fall. Describe the dangerous conditions (wet floor, uneven pavement, etc.) you encountered and what led to your fall. Take pictures of the hazard that caused your slip-and-fall and the surrounding area. If people witnessed your fall, get their names and contact details, including phone number and email address.
2. Report Your Fall: Inform the property owner about the fall. If your fall happened at a commercial establishment such as a store, bar, restaurant, or hotel, request an official incident report of your fall and take a copy for your records. If the property owner isn’t available, ensure your injury is reported to an authority figure present at the property such as a supervisor or manager.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Documenting your injuries can link them directly to the fall. Keep records of all treatments and follow-up appointments to further prove how your fall resulted in needing medical treating, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault: Be cautious about discussing the incident, especially on social media or with people who know or may know the property owner. In addition, avoid speaking with the property owner or their insurance company after you report your fall. They may use your own words against you to blame you for your fall. Instead, direct the property owner and insurance company to speak to your lawyer.
5. Consult a Lawyer: An experienced Oklahoma City slip-and-fall injury attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with the property owner or their insurer.They will help establish the property owner’s negligence and show how they failed to maintain safe conditions.

What Happens if I’m Ruled Partially at Fault?

In some cases, property owners blaming slip-and-fall victims for their injuries may have some legal standing. However, even if you’re found to be partially at fault for your injury, you may still be eligible to receive some compensation.

In Oklahoma, if you’re found partially at fault for your slip-and-fall injury, the state’s modified comparative negligence law applies. This means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re ruled 20% responsible for your slip-and-fall injury and your total damages amount to $10,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $8,000. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. An experienced lawyer can help reduce the amount of fault you are assigned to help maximize the compensation you can receive.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyers

As with any personal injury claim, successful slip-and-fall claims are all about collecting and presenting compelling evidence. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know how to quickly disarm baseless accusations against our clients when property owners wrongfully blame them for injuries caused by dangerous property conditions.

If you’re ruled partially at fault for your slip-and-fall injury, we’ll review all available evidence to increase your compensation by reducing or eliminating your level of fault. It’s our goal to ensure you get the biggest possible settlement to aid in your recovery during this difficult time.

Trust our experience and dedication to our clients. Contact us today for a free case review.

When developers build apartment complexes, schools, office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, and other buildings that will be occupied by people, they can’t build them any way they want. They must build them according to standards and codes set by local and state ordinances as well as the International Code Council (ICC).

Building codes were introduced in the early 20^th century with an emphasis on fire prevention, but over time, they have evolved into making buildings safer and more energy-efficient in many ways. If you’ve ever had trouble walking up or down a staircase with an irregular and uneven rise in a 19^th century building, it’s easy to see the importance of building codes—especially when preventing slip-and-fall injuries.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of building codes, how builders implement them in new construction, and how they keep residents, occupants, and visitors safe.

8 Building Codes That Keep People Safe

Building codes establish minimum safety standards for different elements of building design and construction to ensure that the resulting structures are as safe as possible for occupants and visitors. Here are some important ways that building codes address slip-and-fall prevention in new construction and remodels:

1. Floor Surface Requirements
2. Slip Resistance: Building codes specify minimum slip-resistance requirements for flooring materials, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Materials must have a certain coefficient of friction (COF) to prevent slipping.
3. Level Surfaces: Floors must be level and free of significant changes in height. Any transition between different floor levels must be smooth and gradual to reduce tripping hazards.
4. Stairway Design
5. Uniform Step Dimensions: Building codes require that stair treads and risers be uniform in height and depth. Inconsistent step dimensions can cause missteps and falls.
6. Non-Slip Treads: Codes often mandate the use of non-slip materials on stair treads to provide better traction.
7. Handrails: Building codes specify the height, shape, and continuity of handrails on both sides of stairways to provide support and prevent falls.
8. Ramp Design
9. Slope Requirements: Ramps must have a gentle slope to reduce the risk of falls. The maximum allowable slope for wheelchair ramps is 1:12 (1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of run), which also helps people with limited mobility navigate safely.
10. Handrails and Guardrails: Ramps are required to have handrails on both sides and guardrails to prevent falls off the sides, especially if the ramp is elevated.
11. Guardrails and Handrails
12. Guardrails: Codes require guardrails for any walking surface, such as balconies, decks, and stairs, where there is a drop-off of more than a specified height (typically 30 inches). This prevents falls from elevated areas.
13. Handrails: In addition to providing support, handrails must be properly secured and easy to grip, helping to prevent falls on stairs and ramps.
14. Lighting Requirements
15. Adequate Illumination: Building codes require adequate lighting in all areas, including stairways, hallways, and entrances. Proper illumination helps people see potential walking hazards and navigate safely.
16. Emergency Lighting: In the event of power loss, emergency lighting must be provided in critical areas, such as stairwells, to ensure visibility and safe evacuation.
17. Accessibility Standards (ADA Compliance)
18. Slip-Resistant Surfaces: ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards require that all accessible routes, including walkways, ramps, and parking areas, have slip-resistant surfaces.
19. Threshold Heights: ADA codes limit the height of thresholds in doorways to prevent tripping.
20. Signage and Warnings
21. Building codes often require visible signage to indicate potential hazards, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or changes in elevation.
22. Drainage and Moisture Control
23. Proper drainage systems are required to prevent water accumulation on walkways, stairways, and other walking surfaces. This reduces the risk of slippery conditions caused by pooling water, ice, or snow.

What Are My Options if I Get Injured in a Building That’s Not Built to Code?

It’s not only old buildings that aren’t always up to code. Unfortunately, some builders try to save money by ignoring important safety regulations.

If you are injured in a building that is not built to code, you may have several legal options for seeking compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some potential avenues you can pursue:

Premises Liability Claim

In most cases, the property owner is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors and occupants. If you were injured due to a code violation (such as a missing handrail, uneven flooring, or poor lighting), you might have grounds to file a premises liability claim against the property owner.

To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must show that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the property and that this negligence directly caused your injury. This often involves proving that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.

Product Liability (for Construction Defects)

If your injury was caused by a defect in the building’s construction, such as a faulty handrail or defective stairs, you might be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or installer of the defective component.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you were injured in a building while performing work-related duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who is at fault. Workers’ comp can cover medical expenses and lost wages related to the injury.

What About Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Grandfathered Buildings?

Some older buildings may be “grandfathered” in, which means they aren’t required to meet current building codes as long as they comply with the codes that were in place at the time of their construction. However, grandfathered status does not absolve property owners of their duty to maintain a safe environment.

Even if a building is grandfathered, the owner must still address dangerous conditions and make reasonable modifications to prevent foreseeable injuries. If your injury resulted from a hazard that the owner could have reasonably addressed, you might still have a valid claim.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyers

Building codes are important for ensuring that new construction is safe and structurally sound for years to come. However, building codes aren’t always observed. It’s not uncommon for construction crews and developers to cut corners on new homes and buildings, and that can mean failing to build according to the latest building codes at the expense of others’ safety.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma City slip-and-fall injury attorneys know building codes for both Oklahoma and the ICC. If you suspect your injury was caused by a building that wasn’t built to code, we can investigate and help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us anytime for a free case review.

If you own property, whether a home, business, or even undeveloped land, it’s important to know that you may be liable if someone slips and falls and gets injured while on it. This applies to people doing business with you, meeting with you socially, or sometimes even while trespassing.

The amount of liability you have for each type of guest varies, but you always have some degree of liability anytime someone steps foot on your property. In this blog, we break down the different types of people who may enter a property and the responsibility—or duty of care—property owners owe them.

The 4 Types of Guests Property Owners Must Consider

1. Invitees

Invitees are people who are invited onto a property for a business purpose or any other purpose that benefits both the property owner and the invitee. This includes customers in a store, clients visiting an office, or patrons at a restaurant.

Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly inspect their properties for hazards, fix known dangers, and warn invitees of any potential risks they might encounter.

When injured on someone else’s property, invitees can seek compensation for many different types of expenses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages (if their cases go to trial and the property owners are found to be grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct)

2. Licensees

Licensees are individuals who enter a property for their own purposes but with the property owner’s permission. This includes social guests, such as friends or family visiting someone’s home, as well as workers whose permission to come on the property is implied rather than explicit, such as postal workers or meter readers.

Property owners owe a moderate duty of care to licensees. They must warn licensees of any known dangers that are not obvious or apparent to guests, but they do not have to search the property for hidden hazards to protect them.

After an injury on others’ property, licensees can seek compensation for many of the same things as invitees, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

3. Trespassers

Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission or any legal right to be there. This includes burglars, vandals, squatters, protestors, hunters, fishermen, people using a property as a shortcut, and more.

Property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers. Generally, they must only refrain from willfully or wantonly causing harm to trespassers, such as by setting out traps. However, if a property owner knows that trespassers frequently enter their property, they may have a duty to warn them of hidden dangers that the property owner is aware of. For example, if you know that people frequently cut through your yard as a shortcut to a public walking path, but you have a dangerous dog, you may be required to post signs warning potential trespassers of that.  

Trespassers have a more difficult time getting compensation after injuries on others’ property. However, they may still be eligible to receive compensation for some or all of their medical bills if property owners are considered liable for their injuries.

4. Child Trespassers (Attractive Nuisance Doctrine)

This doctrine applies to situations where children are attracted to the property by something interesting or enticing, such as a swimming pool or playground.

Property owners must take reasonable steps to secure the hazard and prevent children from accessing it, as children are unable to understand the illegality of their actions when trespassing, or the dangers they might face by doing so. For example, pool owners may be required to keep their pool fenced in with a locking gate to prevent access by trespassing children.

Despite being trespassers, uninvited children are eligible for multiple types of compensation after injuries on others’ property, including:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Future lost wages if their injuries result in long-term disability

Have a Plan for These Potential Hazards on Your Property

To protect all types of guests, including invitees, licensees, and even trespassers, you must address potential dangers on your property. Here are some common hazards that property owners should look for and promptly repair:

• Slip-and-Fall Hazards: Clean up spills right away, use warning signs for wet floors, and ensure proper drainage in outdoor areas.Repair cracks, holes, or uneven pavement on walkways, sidewalks, and driveways. Secure rugs and repair or replace loose or damaged carpeting.
• Trip Hazards: Keep walkways, stairs, and common areas free of clutter and debris. Secure or cover cords and cables to prevent tripping.
• Structural Hazards: Ensure that stairs are in good condition with secure handrails and adequate lighting. Regularly inspect and maintain the structural integrity of balconies and decks to prevent collapses.
• Lighting: Provide sufficient lighting in all areas, especially stairways, entrances, and outdoor pathways to prevent accidents.
• Swimming Pools and Water Features: Install secure fencing and self-latching gates around pools and water features. Provide warning signs for deep water, no diving areas, and other potential hazards.

Our Oklahoma Slip-and-Fall Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help

Many Oklahoma property owners work hard to ensure their homes, businesses, and land are safe for themselves, their families, and others. However, some don’t, and that puts innocent people at risk of suffering serious injuries every day.

If you or someone you love were hurt on another person’s or party’s property, you may be eligible for compensation. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma slip-and-fall injury attorneys have the experience you need to maximize your chances of getting compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.