Lost Wages in a Oklahoma Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Oklahoma, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Fault System
2 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Oklahoma
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Injury Law
Oklahoma applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. The statute of limitations is 2 years. Oklahoma does not require no-fault PIP insurance. Oklahoma's oil and gas industry is a major source of serious injury litigation, including wellhead blowouts, pipeline explosions, and oilfield equipment accidents. Tornado-related premises liability cases and agricultural equipment injuries are also common. Oklahoma has no general cap on compensatory damages for most personal injury cases. Oklahoma's tiered punitive damages system caps punitive damages based on the degree of wrongdoing — reckless disregard versus intentional malice. Medical malpractice in Oklahoma has a 2-year statute of limitations and requires a certificate of merit from a qualified health professional. Workers' compensation in Oklahoma was significantly reformed in 2013, transitioning from an administrative system to a court-based system under the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission. Uninsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended given Oklahoma's relatively high rate of uninsured drivers.