The Damages Victim Can Recover After an Accident at Will Rogers World Airport

Will Rogers World Airport is a busy hub serving millions of travelers annually. With its wide array of amenities, security procedures, and constant flow of passengers, the airport works hard to ensure a safe environment. However, accidents can still happen. If you ever find yourself being injured in the airport, you might wonder what kind of compensation you can receive for your losses. Understanding your legal options, be it a slip and fall, a malfunctioning escalator, or even an injury caused by another passenger, is essential. Following an accident at Will Rogers World Airport, you can recover:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible expenses you have incurred due to your injury. If you file a claim, you might recover:

• Medical expenses including emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical costs if your injury requires long-term care.
• Lost wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you can seek compensation for lost earnings if your injury affects your ability to work in the future.
• Out-of-pocket expenses include transportation to medical appointments, hiring help for daily tasks, or purchasing medical devices.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of your injury and may include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering to cover the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injury immediately and in the long run.
• Emotional distress caused by anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues.
• Loss of enjoyment of life in case your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies or activities you once loved.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rare but can be awarded in cases where the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or intentional harm. However, because the city owns Will Rogers World Airport, punitive damages are generally unavailable in claims against the airport itself.

If another party, such as a negligent airline or vendor is responsible for your injuries, punitive damages might still be an option.

Who Could Be Liable for Your Injuries?

When seeking damages, identifying the proper defendant is key. Depending on how your accident occurred, potential defendants might include:

• The Airport
• An Airline
• A vendor operating on the airport premises.
• Manufacturer in case defective equipment like a malfunctioning escalator causes your injury.

Filing a Claim Against the City

Because Oklahoma City owns Will Rogers World Airport, special rules apply when filing a claim. Under the Oklahoma Tort Claims Act, you must:

1. File a written notice of your claim with the city within 90 days of your injury.
2. Wait for the city’s response (they have 90 days to accept or reject your claim).
3. If your claim is rejected, you have 180 days to file a lawsuit.

Additionally, compensation against the city is capped at $175,000 per person for personal injury claims and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

Should You Settle or Sue?

Most personal injury cases settle out of court. The process typically involves:

1. Negotiating with the responsible party for a fair settlement.
2. Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered.
3. Engaging in mediation to try and reach an agreement before trial.

While court cases can be lengthy, sometimes they are necessary to get the compensation you deserve. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this process and determine the best action.

Conclusion

Do not wait to seek legal guidance if you have been injured at Will Rogers World Airport.

The sooner you consult with a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless you win your case.