Negligence in Oklahoma
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Oklahoma follows comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if you're partially at fault, reduced by your percentage of blame.
How Oklahoma treats Negligence
Oklahoma is a comparative negligence state where a plaintiff can recover damages even if they bear some responsibility for the injury, as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. The plaintiff's recovery is reduced by their percentage of comparative negligence. Courts examine whether the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused actual damages through that breach.
The general definition of Negligence
Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.
Negligence is a legal concept in civil law (not criminal) that holds people responsible for careless behavior. To prove negligence, you must show four things: the defendant had a duty to be careful, they breached that duty, their breach caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages. Negligence doesn't require intent to harm—it's about failing to act as a reasonably careful person would in similar circumstances. Victims of negligence can sue for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Read the full Negligence entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.