Pawhuska Personal Injury Lawyer
Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Representation for Injured Clients
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence or carelessness, you have the right to take legal action for compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong civil claim for damages, which can cover economic and non-economic losses such as:
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy
- Other medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain & suffering
Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC has been advocating for clients in Osage County for a combined 75 years, and our local knowledge of the law can prove advantageous to your case. We take a client-focused approach, aiming to develop a strategy based on your needs and goals.
Our deep roots in the Pawhuska community allow us to offer personalized legal services that reflect our understanding of local issues. We strive to protect our clients' rights while maintaining the dignity and respect they deserve throughout the legal process.
Schedule a free initial consultation with Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC online or call (F:P:Sub:phone} to learn more about how our personal injury firm can help you build your claim for damages.
The Importance of Local Legal Expertise in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury laws and procedures can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. In Pawhuska, understanding local legal practices is crucial for the success of a personal injury claim. At Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC, we utilize our in-depth knowledge of local court systems and legal processes to provide strategic advice that can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Our commitment to the Pawhuska community goes beyond legal representation—we aim to be a supportive ally during your recovery process.
Moreover, local statutes in Oklahoma may impact your case. Being familiar with these laws allows us to foresee potential challenges and proactively address them. Whether it's negotiating settlements or representing you in court, our familiarity with the local legal environment ensures that your interests are robustly represented.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Claims
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical and financial benefits to workers who have incurred an injury or illness due to their job.
If your claim is successful, you could retain workers' compensation benefits for the following:
- Medical care for the work-related injury or illness;
- Payments for wages lost as a result of the work-related injury or illness;
- Compensation for permanent disabilities, within certain limitations;
- Vocational retraining and/or job placement for injured workers unable to return to their prior occupation;
- Death benefits for families of workers who died as a result of the work injury.
Not all injuries are covered by workers’ compensation; only those occurring as a direct result of your employment activities are covered. Workers’ compensation follows a “no-fault” system, meaning your fault in the accident is not a factor in obtaining compensation.
Navigating the workers' compensation process can be complex, and understanding what is required at each stage is crucial. Our team at Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC, is committed to guiding you through each step to ensure your benefits are maximized and your rights are protected. We understand the intricate details of workers' compensation law in Oklahoma and can offer you informed guidance.
Since our doors first opened in 1947 we have been committed to providing a friendly and professional environment for our local clients. Schedule a free initial consultation with Shoemake Law Firm to learn more.
How to File for Workers' Compensation in Oklahoma
The general process for claiming workers’ compensation includes:
- Initiate a claim.
- Request a hearing or prehearing conference.
- Request a change of physician (optional).
- Engage in discovery and exchange of evidence (at least 20 days before the hearing date).
- Provide evidence (the injured party has the burden of proof).
- Settle the claim through a joint petition. The settlement will include the terms of compensation.
Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate the claims process to obtain workers’ compensation. While you focus on your personal recovery, let us handle your claim.
Wrongful Termination
Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC also handles cases of wrongful termination. Recall that Oklahoma is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers may terminate workers at any time for any reason without prior notice (unless the work contract states otherwise).
However, there are certain situations when the termination of an employee goes against civil law. Namely, employers cannot fire an employee based on:
- Breach of contract – It is illegal to fire you if your employment contract outlines specific reasons for termination; this constitutes a breach of your contract.
- Discrimination – Under state and federal law, your employer cannot fire you on discriminatory terms, such as your skin color, sex, religion, race, age, disability, or national origin.
- Whistleblower retaliation – Employers cannot fire workers for engaging in legally protected activities, such as whistleblowing.
- Public policy – Employers cannot terminate workers for adhering to public policy mandates, such as exercising their civil right to file a workers’ compensation claim after an injury.
Consequences for wrongful termination may vary, with employers potentially required to re-employ you, provide monetary damages, and reimburse back pay. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, reach out to Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC for the next steps.
Our dedication to protecting the rights of workers extends to those unjustly terminated. We ensure that you understand your rights fully and are equipped to take the necessary steps to seek justice against wrongful termination. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout your claim process, striving to secure the best possible outcome.
Product Liability Claims
You can also claim civil damages if you have experienced injury due to manufacturing defects of a product. Under Oklahoma law, consumers have the right to file product liability claims against a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retail store owner for faulty products causing injury.
Some examples of product defects that may be grounds for a claim include:
- Unsafe toys for children
- Prescription drugs with dangerous side effects
- Faulty airbags or seat belts
To bring forward a product liability claim, the injured consumer must prove that a defect in the product made it unreasonably dangerous and resulted in injury. Note that if a product is defective due to its design or construction, the party strictly liable will be the manufacturer, seller, or distributor.
Pursuing a product liability claim requires a thorough understanding of both the defect and the resulting injury. Our attorneys meticulously examine the circumstances of each case, leveraging our comprehensive legal understanding to advocate for fair compensation. We address each client’s unique situation with tailored legal strategies designed to hold responsible parties accountable.
Maximize Your Compensation with a Personal Injury Attorney
When you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. At Shoemake Law Firms, our Pawhuska personal injury attorney has the experience and knowledge to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
Benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney include:
- Thorough investigation: Our attorney will conduct a detailed investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation skills: We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Legal knowledge: Our attorney understands the complexities of personal injury law and will navigate the legal process on your behalf.
- Peace of mind: By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your recovery knowing that your case is in capable hands.
- Higher compensation: Studies have shown that individuals who hire a personal injury attorney typically receive higher settlements than those who handle their cases alone.
Don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact Shoemake Law Firms today for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Learn Your Rights in a Free Consultation
Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC represents clients in a range of personal injury cases, including workers’ compensation, wrongful termination, and product liability. Our firm can help you build a strong case for damages, fighting to maximize your compensation!
Contact Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC online for a free consultation to discuss your case with our experienced Pawhuska personal injury lawyers. Or call (918) 380-3444 to get started.
Helpful Resources
Why Choose Shoemake?
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Local Knowledge
A lifelong Oklahoman, Bransford H. Shoemake was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1982 and has practiced in the state ever since.
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Client Focus
We provide a friendly and professional environment with an acute focus on our clients’ needs and a desire to build long-standing relationships with our clients.
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Extensive Experience
We are committed to quality legal work and bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the law to each case.
Contact Us for a Free 15-Minute Consultation
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