Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Slip and fall accidents happen quickly, but their effects can last a long time. If you’ve been hurt in a fall caused by unsafe property conditions, you may be able to seek compensation. But what you do after the accident—and how you handle the legal process—can impact how much you receive.
In Oklahoma, slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law. That means property owners must maintain their spaces in a safe condition. When they fail to do so, and someone gets injured, they can be held financially responsible.
Let’s break down how you can protect your rights and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to after a slip and fall accident.
Liability in a slip and fall case comes down to proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. In Oklahoma, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If they knew—or should have known—about a hazard but didn’t fix it or warn people about it, they may be held responsible.
For example, if a grocery store fails to clean up a spill in a timely manner and does not display warning signs, it could be liable if someone slips. But Oklahoma also follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
In Oklahoma, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages; if you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
That means if a court finds you 30% responsible for your fall—maybe because you were distracted on your phone—your final compensation will be reduced by 30%.
This rule makes it even more crucial to gather evidence that demonstrates the property owner was primarily at fault.
After a slip and fall, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim:
Each of these steps helps support your case if you decide to file a claim.
Strong evidence makes all the difference in a slip-and-fall case. Photos and videos can show exactly what caused your fall.
Surveillance footage often disappears after just a few days—don’t wait to request it.
Ask the property owner if cameras caught the incident and request the footage quickly. Medical records link your injuries to the fall and show their severity. Witnesses can confirm what happened, especially if they’re unbiased. In severe cases, expert input from an orthopedic surgeon can help explain long-term effects.
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to more than just coverage for your hospital visit.
In cases where the property owner’s conduct is reckless—such as ignoring repeated complaints about a dangerous floor—punitive damages may also be applicable. These are rare, but they exist to punish unacceptable behaviour and keep it from occurring again.
Most slip and fall settlements range between $10,000 and $50,000, but severe injuries or gross negligence can yield six- or seven-figure results.”
If your injury will require future surgeries or prevent you from returning to work, your lawyer may also seek damages for reduced earning capacity.
| Injury Severity | Medical & Rehab Costs | Lost Wages & Future Costs | Pain & Suffering Range |
| Minor (sprains, bruises) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Minimal | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Moderate (fractures, PT) | $5,000 – $20,000 | Moderate | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Severe (TBI, spinal cord) | $25,000+ | High, long-term | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
No two slip-and-fall claims are the same. Several factors will impact the value of your case. The most obvious factor is the extent of your injuries. Broken bones, surgeries, or permanent damage usually result in higher payouts than minor injuries.
Your percentage of fault also plays a role. The less blame assigned to you, the more you can recover.
Consulting an experienced injury lawyer early greatly increases the chance of preserving key evidence and obtaining fair compensation.
If there’s video proof that the hazard existed and the owner was aware of it, that strengthens your case. On the other hand, if you delayed treatment or accepted a low early offer from insurance, that could hurt your claim.
Insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying large claims without a fight. They may try to downplay your injuries, question your version of events, or offer a fast settlement before you know the full cost of recovery.
That’s why documentation matters. The more you can show—bills, photos, doctor’s notes—the harder it becomes for them to minimize your claim.
A personal injury attorney can also speak to the insurance adjuster for you. They understand how to respond, what to push back on, and when to negotiate for more.
If the fall was caused by an unsafe condition the property owner knew or should’ve known about, and you suffered injuries, you may have a valid claim.
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, grief and suffering, as well as potential future losses or punitive damages.
Values range from a few thousand to over $100,000, depending on the injury severity, liability, and how the fall impacts your life.
If you’re found less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. If it’s 50% or more, you can’t recover damages.
Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of the fall to file a premises liability lawsuit.
Avoid giving recorded statements, signing documents without review, or accepting early settlement offers before complete medical treatment.
Slip and fall accidents can be painful, frustrating, and expensive. But with the right approach, you can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Acting quickly after your fall—documenting evidence, getting medical care, and understanding how liability works—can make all the difference.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Tulsa injury victims build strong claims backed by objective evidence. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
