Category Archives: Tulsa Law

Responsibility for Emotional Distress

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Emotional Distress. Sometimes it is an element of damages, but it can also be an independent claim in personal injury and wrongful death cases. What does this mean to you or your claim? Oklahoma has standard Uniform Jury Instructions that address the basics of emotional distress for a jury to understand their role in awarding damages for emotional distress or not. Though case law or other argument can trump the use of this language before juries, the Uniform Jury Instructions (referred to as “OUJI”) are designed to apply in many general contexts, subject to case specific revisions. For example, OUJI defines the term “emotional distress” as “mental distress, mental pain and suffering, or mental anguish.  It includes all highly unpleasant mental reactions, such as fright, horror, grief, humiliation, embarrassment, anger, chagrin, disappointment, and worry.” OUJI 20.3. Oklahoma Uniform Jury Instruction No. 20.1, sets forth the elements of liability which must be … Continue reading →

Most Frequently Requested Legal Issues Explained

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In almost two decades of questions from the public at large, I have determined the top five issues people have that compel them to contact an attorney, & created a video for each. 5. Injuries. The public at large is concerned as it should be about what to do if injured. The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the facts and circumstances of your injury. We created a general video to talk about the large umbrella called “tort” law. What might be a tort and what may not be a tort? Could you have a claim? We recommend before contacting an attorney, if you are unsure, think about safety. Did someone fail to keep premises safe? You may already know the area of tort such as an automobile accident or a slip and fall. But what about a child who jumps on an oil rig and his leg … Continue reading →

Personal Safety: Active Shooters

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Advice from the OK City Police Department Tracy Cinocca recently attended a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Course during a Tulsa County Bar Family Law Business Meeting at the OSU Tulsa Center. The speakers were from the Oklahoma City Police Department and gave a presentation titled: Active Shooter, Personal Safety and Domestic Abuse Issues. This blog highlights some of the information from this presentation we found to be particularly insightful. *The information in this blog is to be considered thought provoking; your business or school should have policies in place in the event of a critical incident which are to be followed.* An Active Shooter can be domestic related, work related, school related, emotionally disturbed, and/or a terrorist. Within domestic abuse the dynamic is often such that the victim is paralyzed with fear. The abuser threatens with “if you tell anyone I’ll….” and uses the in-house abuse to find power and control. While domestic abuse can … Continue reading →

The Psychology of Litigation: Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

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Going to court can bring out stress. People do not always behave their best and it is usually one of the worst periods in a person’s life. Whether your lawsuit is against a formerspouse, employer, business partner, or another, it is not unusual for the pressure to push someone into an uncharacteristic mental state. This is what our blog series on the “Psychology of Litigation” addresses. Major stress factors in life include emotionally charged situations or big life changes. This includes Litigation. (See Holmes and Rahe’s (1967) Social Readjustment Ratings Scale here). Litigants should be prepared for the mental stress of Litigation and ready to run the Litigation course long term, if necessary. How different people deal with situational distress caused by litigation can be affected by whether they have a mental condition – diagnosed or not. If mentally healthy people suffer such distress, then imagine the different types of reactions … Continue reading →

Golden Rule: Resources Video for Access to Justice

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Golden Rule Resources Access to Justice. We all want it. We all need it. Sometimes it may elude us, or we might not know where or how to get it. As a longtime attorney, I too often see unnecessary damage done to people- emotionally, financially, & physically. It may be situations such as: being singled out in a negative way, or bullying which can happen at school, online, at work, or even at home. If only we could all follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Since not every situation may require legal action, justice can come in many forms. You’ll find a list of resources below, for help on a wide range of difficulties you may be facing. Remember there is help, and there is hope. Visit our Golden Rule Resources website for resources to help you through any type of trouble. Any input … Continue reading →

The End… of Your Business Partnership

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The End …. of Your Business Partnership Breaking up is hard to do. Like marriages, business relationships sometimes break up. When ending a business relationship there are several questions you will need to answer: 1. What type of business is it? How is it formed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State? Or, is it a a partnership? Limited or General? ex: Limited Liability Company (LLC); C Corporation; Sub Chapter S Corporation; Partnership; Limited Partnership, Etc. 2. Do you have a written agreement or formation document? -If YES: Review that agreement with an attorney and make a plan for how to proceed. -If NO: There may be default statutes in place that effect your type of business organization on how to handle a break up. 3. Do all parties agree with the accounting, and is it up to date? -If NO: A plan to do this is required. 4. Is your business breakup amicable? -If … Continue reading →

National Law Day & the 50th Year Anniversary of Miranda

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May 1st is National Law Day! This year’s Law Day which was Sunday, May 1, was extra special. This is because it is also the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1966 decision of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). This case marks the beginning of Miranda rights required to be stated to a person under arrest. This includes rights protected by the 5th Amendment. This includes the right to remain silent; that statements by the suspect may be used in court; that the suspect may consult with a lawyer during interrogation; and that a lawyer will be provided, if the suspect cannot afford one. The Miranda rule helps balance police interrogation with an individuals rights. However, so many of us allow our individual rights to be usurped when we believe we have nothing to hide. In speaking to the police anything you say will be used against you. Nothing you say … Continue reading →

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: A Golden Rule Resource

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Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma “LASO” is an organization whose mission is “making equal justice for all a reality.” Established in 2001, as a result of the merger of Legal Aid Services of Western and Eastern Oklahoma, LASO is a registered nonprofit that provides civil legal assistance to low income individuals across Oklahoma. If an individual qualifies, they are not charged for any of the services provided by LASO. Funding for the services provided by Legal Aid come from the Legal Services Corporation, the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, 15 United Way or United Fund organizations, as well as generous donations from attorneys, firms, business, and individuals throughout Oklahoma. Those donations can be in the form of funds or the legal time provided by the attorney at no cost to you if LASO approves you for services. In most cases, many attorneys work pro … Continue reading →

How to Choose a Lawyer Video

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The first video I made several years ago is called “How to Choose A Lawyer.” Here is what I said which still applies.  First, you want to make sure that your attorney is qualified. Second, you want to see if you like the attorney’s personality and if you think they’re a good match for you. Third, you want to look at their business practices and procedures. Fourth, you want to have a feeling you can trust your attorney to do the right thing for you when you aren’t there. ARE THEY QUALIFIED? Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult and maybe overwhelming experience. There are so many choices and so many options. Of course you want your attorney to be qualified. You need to have an attorney who is qualified in the area of law, that your issue is in. Try to know and try to understand what area of law it is … Continue reading →

4 Questions to Ask to Choose the Right Lawyer

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Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult and potentially overwhelming experience, especially if you do not even know one! To help ease the search, there are four key areas to take into consideration. This will help you find an attorney who is the best fit for you. First, you want to make sure your attorney is qualified. Second, you want to see if you like the attorney’s personality and think they are a good match for you. Third, you want to look at their business practices and procedures. And fourth, you want to find an attorney you can trust to do the right thing, with or without you present. 1. Are They Qualified? You need to have an attorney who is qualified in the same area of law as your legal issue. Try to know and understand which area of law it is you need representation. When you are evaluating an … Continue reading →