At Smith Barkett Law Group, our Tulsa orthopedic injury lawyers help victims recover compensation after serious accidents. Orthopedic injuries affect your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Each year, millions of Americans suffer orthopedic injuries from car accidents, falls, and workplace incidents. These injuries can prevent you from working, enjoying activities, and living independently. We focus on securing fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an orthopedic injury in Tulsa.
We advocate for clients with orthopedic injuries throughout every step of the legal process. Our firm commits to securing full compensation for your medical care, lost income, and suffering. We have a strong track record of winning orthopedic injury cases against insurance companies and negligent parties. You deserve justice after someone else's carelessness caused your injury. We handle the legal work so you can focus on healing and recovery.
An orthopedic injury damages your musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries occur when trauma, force, or repetitive stress affects these structures. The musculoskeletal system supports your body and allows you to move, so damage to it can severely limit your daily activities. Orthopedic injuries range from minor sprains to severe fractures requiring surgery. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability if not treated properly.
Our firm specializes in legal claims for orthopedic injuries resulting from accidents. We are dedicated to providing knowledgeable guidance through the legal process with clear communication and a responsive approach.
Common Orthopedic Injuries We Address:
A proper diagnosis is the foundation for both medical treatment and a legal claim.
If you have suffered an orthopedic injury due to someone else's negligence, we can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
Orthopedic injuries result from many types of accidents and incidents throughout Tulsa and Oklahoma. Motor vehicle collisions create tremendous force that breaks bones and damages joints. Falls cause serious injuries, especially to the hips, wrists, and shoulders. Workplace accidents in construction, manufacturing, and other physical jobs lead to orthopedic trauma. Understanding how these injuries occur helps us identify who should be held responsible.
Motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of orthopedic injuries in Tulsa. The impact from a car accident can fracture long bones in your arms and legs. Head-on crashes and side-impact collisions often cause shoulder injuries and hip injuries. Even low-speed accidents can damage the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines. Victims may suffer herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and joint problems requiring extensive medical treatment.
Construction sites, factories, and oil fields expose workers to orthopedic injury risks daily. Falls from heights commonly break bones and damage joints. Heavy machinery accidents can crush limbs and cause severe orthopedic trauma. Slip-and-fall accidents on wet floors or icy surfaces can result in fractures and dislocations. Even office workers face risks from repetitive strain and falls on poorly maintained premises.
Orthopedic injury symptoms vary based on the type and severity of damage. Some symptoms appear immediately after the accident, while others develop over time. Recognizing these signs early helps you get proper medical attention and strengthens your personal injury claim. Untreated orthopedic injuries can worsen and lead to permanent disability. Understanding both immediate and long-term effects helps you appreciate the full impact on your life.
Severe injuries can lead to lasting challenges that affect your daily quality of life.
Treatment for orthopedic injuries depends on the type and severity of damage. Early medical attention prevents complications and improves recovery outcomes. An orthopedic surgeon evaluates your injury and recommends the best treatment approach. Some injuries heal with rest and physical therapy, while others require surgery. The goal is to restore as much function as possible and minimize long-term disability.
Many severe orthopedic injuries require surgical repair to heal properly. Fracture repair involves setting broken bones and securing them with pins, plates, or screws. Joint replacement surgery becomes necessary when damage is too severe to repair. Hip replacement surgeries use metal hip replacement components, including a metal ball and a metal socket. Rotator cuff repair restores torn shoulder tendons to allow normal arm movement. Some patients need revision hip surgery if their initial hip implants fail or become damaged.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovering from orthopedic injuries. Therapists design exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Early therapy prevents stiffness and helps damaged tissues heal correctly. Treatment continues for weeks or months, depending on injury severity. Many patients need ongoing therapy to maintain function and prevent re-injury.
The financial burden of an orthopedic injury can quickly overwhelm families. Medical bills start piling up from the moment you seek emergency treatment. Lost wages compound the problem when you cannot work during recovery. Long-term care costs continue for months or years after the accident. These out-of-pocket expenses create stress and anxiety during an already difficult time.
Orthopedic injury treatment costs vary widely based on severity and complexity. Emergency room visits, imaging studies, and initial care often cost thousands of dollars. Orthopedic surgery, including hospital stays, can exceed $50,000 or more. Rehabilitation expenses continue for months with physical therapy sessions and follow-up appointments. Adaptive equipment and home modifications may be needed for severe injuries causing long-term disability.
Orthopedic injuries frequently prevent victims from returning to their jobs. Physical labor becomes impossible with broken bones, damaged joints, or spinal cord injuries. Even desk jobs prove challenging when injuries limit sitting, typing, or concentration. Many workers need modified duties or must change careers entirely. Permanent disability ends some careers and eliminates future earning potential.
Oklahoma law allows orthopedic injury victims to recover damages for all their losses. Compensation covers both financial losses and personal suffering caused by the injury. We calculate your total damages by examining medical records, employment history, and expert opinions. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts and deny valid claims. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation that reflects the true cost of your injury.
An orthopedic injury claim seeks to recover compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering. Potential damages include:
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These are not for compensation, but to punish a defendant for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct and to deter similar future behavior. Examples include cases involving:
Winning an orthopedic injury claim requires proving someone else caused your injury through negligence. We must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached that duty. The breach must have directly caused your orthopedic injury and resulting damages. Insurance adjusters challenge these claims by questioning fault and the severity of injuries. Building a strong case demands thorough investigation and compelling evidence from multiple sources.
Medical documentation forms the foundation of every successful orthopedic injury claim. Detailed medical records document the extent of your injuries and all treatments received. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans provide objective evidence of damage. Expert testimony from an orthopedic surgeon or spine and orthopedic specialists explains how the injury affects your life. These medical experts project future treatment needs and permanent limitations.
Witness accounts help establish how the accident happened and who was at fault. Eyewitnesses describe the events leading up to your injury in their own words. Police reports document official findings about a Tulsa auto accident or workplace incident. Accident reports from employers provide details about safety violations and negligence. Video footage from security cameras may capture the entire incident.
We bring extensive experience handling orthopedic injury cases throughout Tulsa and Oklahoma. Our personal injury attorney works with medical experts to document every aspect of your condition. We understand the complex medical issues involved in orthopedic/joint injuries and spinal cord damage. From investigation through settlement negotiations or jury trial, we manage all aspects of your case. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We conduct thorough investigations to prove liability and maximize your compensation. Our team gathers evidence from the accident scene before it disappears. Accident reconstruction specialists analyze motor vehicle collisions to determine fault. We consult with spine and orthopedic specialists to fully understand your injuries. Life-care planners calculate the cost of future medical treatments and adaptive equipment you will need.
We use proven strategies to negotiate the best possible settlement for your orthopedic injury. Strong evidence and expert testimony give us leverage against insurance companies. We counter lowball offers by demonstrating the full extent of your damages. Our reputation for winning at trial motivates defendants to offer fair settlements. When negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case through court procedures to a jury trial.
How long do I have to file a claim for an orthopedic injury?
Under Oklahoma statute §12-95, you have two years from the accident date to file most personal injury claims for orthopedic injuries.
What is the average settlement for orthopedic injury claims?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors unique to each personal injury case.
Can I sue if the orthopedic injury occurred at work?
Yes, you may file for workers' compensation benefits and potentially sue third parties whose negligence contributed to your workplace injury.
What if I don't have insurance for my orthopedic injury treatment?
You can still pursue compensation from the at-fault party to cover your medical expenses and other damages through a personal injury claim.
How do I know if my orthopedic injury is serious enough to claim compensation?
Any orthopedic injury requiring medical treatment, causing lost wages, or creating ongoing pain likely warrants a consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
What is the role of an orthopedic injury lawyer in my case?
We investigate liability, gather medical documentation, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and fight for maximum compensation through settlement or trial.
Do not wait to protect your rights after suffering an orthopedic injury in an accident. Time is critical for preserving evidence and meeting Oklahoma's statute of limitations. We offer free consultations to evaluate your personal injury case and explain your legal options. Our firm has extensive experience handling orthopedic trauma cases, including catastrophic injuries, throughout Tulsa. Call us today to discuss how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Let our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for your future while you focus on recovery.
"*" indicates required fields
