What is the collateral source rule?

The collateral source rule is a legal doctrine that applies to tort cases in the state of Oklahoma. The rule states that an injured party cannot use evidence of payments or benefits received from a third-party source to reduce damages awarded in a tort case. This means that if someone is injured due to the negligence of someone else, and the injured party receives compensation from a third-party source such as health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, or any other form of payment, that amount cannot be used to reduce the compensatory damages awarded in a lawsuit. This rule is important because it helps to ensure that the person who was injured is fully compensated for their injuries, even if those injuries have already been partially or fully compensated by a third-party source. It also takes away the incentive for a defendant to try to prove that the injured party is already receiving some form of compensation, as the court will not take that into consideration when awarding damages. This is an important rule in Oklahoma accident law, and it is one that has been widely adopted by courts across the country. Many people are unaware of this important legal doctrine, but it is important to understand if you or someone you know has been involved in an accident.

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What is the collateral source rule?

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