Personal injury cases refer to legal disputes arising from bodily harm or emotional harm caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another person. Sadly, personal injury cases occur frequently in Oklahoma.
If you have been injured in an accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to claim compensation for damages incurred from the accident. However, fighting an injury lawsuit could be a daunting task. That’s why many people choose to resolve their injury cases through mediation.
This article discusses personal injury cases in Oklahoma, and how mediation can be an effective tool to resolve disputes between plaintiffs and defendants.
Table of Contents
What Is Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a legal term that refers to any harm caused to a person’s mind or body. Examples of personal injury can include anything from minor cuts and bruises, broken bones, emotional distress, or even wrongful death.
Personal injury cases arise when an individual, business, or government entity causes harm to an individual due to their careless or intentional actions. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits a pedestrian, the driver could be held responsible for any damages the pedestrian suffered.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases
There are various types of personal injury cases in Oklahoma that a victim can file, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause severe injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases refer to injuries caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, such as slip and fall accidents, dog bites, or exposure to toxic substances.
Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice cases occur when a healthcare professional doesn’t provide adequate care, resulting in injury or death to the patient.
Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases occur when a product is dangerous or defective, causing harm to the consumer.
Why Mediation Is A Good Option For Personal Injury Cases
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that enables parties to resolve legal and practical issues caused by their personal injury case without going to trial. Instead, the parties involved in the case work with a mediator who helps them reach a settlement agreement.
Mediation can have several benefits in personal injury cases, including:
Speedy Resolution
Litigating a personal injury lawsuit can be a long and exhausting process. Cases can take months or even years to resolve. Mediation, on the other hand, is a speedy process that usually takes a day or two to complete.
Cost-Effective
Litigating a personal injury case can be costly. The legal fees, costs of depositions, expert fees, and discovery fees can add up quickly. Mediation is a cost-effective method to resolve disputes and avoid costly litigation.
Confidentiality
Mediation is a confidential process. Unlike litigation, your personal information, medical records, and financial records are not made public.
Control Over The Outcome
In mediation, the parties involved are in control of the outcome of the settlement agreement. In contrast, in court, the outcome of the case is up to the judge, and the parties may not be happy with the decision.
Neutral Third-Party Mediator
In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator is in charge, making sure both parties are heard and understood. In court, the attorneys and judge direct the proceedings.
How To Find A Mediator In Oklahoma
It’s always advisable to engage the services of an experienced mediator. Finding a mediator in Oklahoma is easy. You can find a mediator by contacting the American Arbitration Association, a mediation firm, or an independent mediator.
Conclusion
Personal injury cases can be challenging to litigate, but mediation can help victims of accidents find a fast and cost-effective way to get the compensation they deserve. By working with a mediator, you can resolve disputes quickly, confidentially, and with more control over the outcome of the case. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Oklahoma, consider the benefits of mediation before going through the litigation process.