When you visit someone else’s property, whether it’s a store, a restaurant, or an apartment complex, you have every right to expect a safe environment, as property owners are legally required to ensure their premises are safe for visitors.
A simple oversight, such as a wet floor with no warning sign or a broken stair, can unexpectedly lead to serious and lasting physical consequences. Beyond the pain and suffering this brings, the resulting costs can place a heavy burden on individuals and their families.
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, our Oklahoma slip-and-fall attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced Oklahoma City slip-and-fall lawyers.
Premises Liability Law in Oklahoma
Premises liability law in Oklahoma is a legal principle that holds property owners responsible for ensuring safe premises for visitors. This law applies to all property types, from residential homes to commercial businesses and public spaces.
Under premises liability, property owners or managers must maintain safe conditions on the property and address potential hazards. This includes performing routine inspections and maintenance, fixing known issues promptly, and putting up warning signs to help people avoid injury.
When property owners don’t uphold their duty to maintain safe premises, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result. If you can prove that the owner knew about or should have known about the danger and failed to address it, the law allows you to seek compensation for damages like medical expenses and lost wages.
In Oklahoma City, these rules are particularly important because many accidents occur in everyday places where people shop, eat, and spend time. For example, Penn Square Mall can be the site of slip-and-fall injuries in food courts and restroom areas when spills go unnoticed or aren’t promptly cleaned.
In the Bricktown entertainment district, uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting, and congested entrances can pose tripping hazards for pedestrians. Retail centers along Memorial Road, such as Target and Walmart, frequently report parking lot accidents caused by icy patches, oil spills, or broken pavement. Even public spaces like Scissortail Park pose risks when walkways or lighting are not maintained.
Common Causes of Oklahoma Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Various property conditions can result in serious injuries from falls. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Icy, wet, or slippery surfaces
- Broken flooring or stairs
- Missing or broken handrails or guardrails
- Dimly lit walkways
- Uneven floors
- Cluttered or obstructed walkways
If any of these dangers are present on a property, owners and managers should erect signs that warn people visiting the property of the dangerous conditions. Failure to do so could potentially make the property owner liable for injuries people suffer because of those dangerous conditions.
How We Help Slip-and-Fall Injury Victims
Our attorneys work hard to prove that a property’s owners or managers acted negligently and that their negligence led to our client’s injury. We’ll investigate the scene of the fall, build a case based on the evidence we’ve collected, and demand compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company.
We understand how difficult the time after suffering a serious injury can be for victims and their loved ones, and our compassionate team will work with you every step of the way. We aim to get you the help you need to get your life back as close to normal as possible.
We manage every detail of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on your health and recovery.
Damages You Might Be Entitled to After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
When someone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident, they can file a premises liability claim to recover the losses they’ve experienced because of their injury. This includes:
- Medical expenses (ambulatory care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, etc.)
- Lost income (including past and future income lost due to time missed at work or inability to work)
- Pain and suffering (including physical, mental, and emotional suffering you’ve experienced because of your injury)
Our skilled premises liability attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can calculate all your damages to help you receive compensation for the accident’s impact on your overall quality of life. This includes the long-term effects of a slip-and-fall, like chronic pain, disability, and ongoing medical treatment.
We can help you win a fair settlement from the responsible party by working with expert witnesses, like economists, psychologists, and medical specialists, to determine your total damages. We will gather medical bills, expert assessments, and testimony from family and friends to prove your case and maximize your settlement.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you suffer a slip-and-fall, your immediate actions can safeguard your rights and help you get necessary medical attention. Here’s what to do after a slip-and-fall accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical treatment immediately after the accident. This ensures proper diagnosis and treatment and provides medical records for potential legal claims.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs or videos of the area where you fell. Capture conditions that contributed to the accident, like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or a lack of warning signage.
- Collect Witness Information: Collect contact details of anyone who witnessed the fall. Your attorney can reach out to get their statements, which can support your account of the incident.
- Report the Incident: Inform the property owner or manager about the fall. Ensure you get a copy of the accident report if one is filed.
- Preserve Your Footwear and Clothing: Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the fall. Your legal team can use it as evidence to show the nature of the accident.
- Consult a Lawyer: Consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. Our attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can guide you through the claims process and protect your interests.
Where to Get Medical Treatment After a Fall in Oklahoma City
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall, it’s imperative to seek medical care as soon as possible. Early treatment not only helps prevent complications but also ensures your injuries are properly documented, which is a vital step if you decide to pursue an insurance or legal claim. Here are several local clinics that specialize in treating accident-related injuries:
- Oklahoma Injury Care provides immediate evaluation and treatment for common slip-and-fall injuries, including neck sprains, joint pain, and back strains. The clinic is known for its welcoming staff and multilingual support, making it accessible to a diverse range of patients.
- The Brooks Clinic is another trusted provider offering comprehensive services for injury victims. Their team provides medical evaluations, physical therapy, and follow-up care tailored to falls and other accident injuries.
- The Broadway Clinic Accident Care, centrally located in Oklahoma City, offers specialized treatment for accident-related injuries, including those resulting from slip-and-fall accidents. The clinic provides a range of care options and an experienced medical team.
Oklahoma City Rehabilitation Centers
- Oklahoma City Rehabilitation Hospital offers comprehensive physical rehabilitation services with 24/7 nursing care, helping patients recover from bone, joint, and nerve injuries through structured daily therapy programs.
- Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital offers inpatient rehabilitation that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy, with patients receiving personalized, around-the-clock care to support improved mobility and overall function.
- Ignite Medical Resort combines skilled nursing care with customized rehabilitation plans in a comfortable, hotel-style setting, supporting patients as they regain strength and mobility following trauma.
- Valir Physical Therapy in North OKC offers outpatient, one-on-one physical therapy sessions designed to restore strength, balance, and mobility following injury.
If Possible, Act Quickly to Begin the Process
Because proving that a property was unsafe is a key part of slip-and-fall premises liability cases, contact an attorney immediately after your accident. We’ll work to preserve any evidence, talk to witnesses, and prove that dangerous property conditions were the cause of your injury.
Oklahoma law allows you to get compensation in premises liability claims for two years from the time of your injury. However, evidence typically needs to be gathered shortly after the incident, so the sooner you act, the sooner your attorney can build a strong case for compensation.
Let our Oklahoma slip-and-fall attorneys fight for you. Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
What to Do if the Property Owner’s Insurer Contacts You
In the hours, days, or weeks following your injury, you might be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company. Know that you are under no legal obligation to speak with them. They will typically want you to give them a statement, and they may then try to use that statement against you when you pursue your claim. It’s best not to give them that opportunity.
If you’re contacted by an insurance company that isn’t your own, don’t speak to them. Instead, refer them to your attorney and say nothing else.
Let Our Oklahoma City Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Help You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, our legal team can help. We have years of experience fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. Let our Oklahoma City slip-and-fall attorneys help you get the care and payment you need to move forward.
Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation with our team.
