Chris Hammons | October 14, 2025 | Property Damage
Property damage can be stressful and expensive. Whether your car was hit, your home was vandalized, or your business was damaged, it’s important to know your rights and what steps to take. If someone else caused the damage, you may be able to get compensation. This article will walk you through your options in Oklahoma City and how a personal injury law firm can help.
Understanding Property Damage in Oklahoma
Property damage means harm or destruction caused to your personal belongings, home, land, car, or business. This can happen in many ways. For example, a distracted driver might crash into your fence, or someone might break a window while trying to steal something.
In Oklahoma, if someone damages your property due to carelessness or on purpose, they may be legally responsible. The law allows you to seek compensation to fix or replace the damaged items.
Common Causes of Property Damage
Property damage can happen in different ways.
Some common examples include:
- Car accidents where another driver hits your vehicle
- Vandalism or theft at your home or business
- A neighbor’s tree falling on your property
- Fires caused by someone else’s negligence
- Damage from construction work on nearby property
In all these cases, if someone else is at fault, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit to recover the costs.
First Steps to Take After Property Damage
Right after your property is damaged, it’s important to act quickly. First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, gather as much information as you can. Take pictures of the damage, write down what happened, and get contact information from anyone involved or who witnessed the incident.
If the police are needed (like after a car accident or break-in), call them right away and ask for a copy of the police report. This report can help show what happened and who was at fault. If the damage happened on someone else’s property or in a public place, like a store or parking lot, tell the property owner or manager immediately.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Many types of property damage are covered by insurance. If you have homeowners, renters, or car insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through filing a claim.
In some cases, the person who caused the damage may also have insurance. For example, if another driver hit your car, their auto insurance may cover your repairs. You can file a claim with their insurance company directly. Make sure to keep all receipts and repair estimates. These will help prove the value of your loss and make the process smoother.
Suing for Property Damage in Oklahoma City
If a lawsuit becomes necessary, your lawyer will help you file a claim in civil court.
In your claim, you must show:
- The other person had a duty to act responsibly
- They failed in that duty (like driving carelessly)
- Their actions caused the damage
- You suffered a financial loss because of it
You may be able to recover money for:
- Repair or replacement of damaged items
- Loss of use (for example, if you couldn’t use your car or home)
- Emotional distress in some cases
Oklahoma follows a “comparative fault” rule. That means if you were partly at fault for the damage, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you were 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your losses. A lawyer can help protect your side of the story and make sure you get treated fairly.
Contact Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Property damage can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If someone else caused the damage, you have legal rights and options. Whether it’s working with insurance or taking legal action, getting help from an experienced lawyer in Oklahoma City can make a big difference. Contact Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact an experienced property damage lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567