Governmental Tort Claims Act
Practice and Practicality
Course Pricing
Course Summary
Get the direct, "how-to" guide for litigating against government entities under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act. This course moves past theoretical discussion, providing a roadmap for identifying claims, from medical malpractice in public trust hospitals to complex sewer backup cases. You will learn the exact mechanics of providing proper pre-suit notice under 51 O.S. § 156, identifying the correct government body, and managing the strict 90-day and 180-day filing timelines to ensure your client’s case isn't over before it begins.
The session delivers high-value tactics for maximizing recovery, including how to use the Open Records Act for pre-suit "discovery" and how to apply Title 50 nuisance claims to increase available damages. You'll get up-to-speed on the November 2025 amendments that raised property damage caps to $75,000 and personal injury limits to $375,000 for major cities like OKC and Tulsa (and $275,000 for nuisance). Through "war stories" and practical analysis of cases like Crestwood Vineyard v. OKC, you will gain the field-tested strategies needed to handle comparative negligence, debunk questionable government defenses, and effectively present damages to a jury. Sign up, and buckle in for a fun ride!
Instructor Jim Buxton
Mr. Buxton is a native Oklahoman, born and raised in Duncan, Oklahoma. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is a graduate of the prestigious Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, founded by renowned trial lawyer Gerry Spence and he was also elected to the Trial Lawyers College F-Warriors Board as Region 5 representative in July 2011.
Mr. Buxton is an experienced trial lawyer who represents people who have been hurt or wronged by the carelessness of others or the greed of insurance companies. In addition to his active trial practice, Mr. Buxton is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars where he shares his knowledge and experience with other Oklahoma lawyers and is an active member in the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Buxton is licensed to practice in all Oklahoma State and Federal Courts and is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Foundation, Oklahoma County Bar Association, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association.
