Oklahoma Separate Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Cross claim In Oklahoma, when a defendant files a cross claim against another party in a lawsuit, they are required to provide a separate answer to address the allegations made in the cross claim. A separate answer is a legal document that presents a defendant's response to the specific claims and issues raised in the cross claim. The separate answer serves as the defendant's opportunity to assert their respective defenses, counterclaims, or other legal arguments against the cross claim. It is crucial for defendants in Oklahoma to understand the different types of affirmative defenses they can raise to support their case. Here are some examples of Oklahoma Separate Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Cross claim: 1. Statute of Limitations: If the defendant believes that the plaintiff's cross claim is filed beyond the applicable time limit set by statute, they can assert a statute of limitations defense. This defense argues that the specified period to bring a claim has expired, and therefore, the cross claim should be dismissed. 2. Lack of Standing: If the defendant believes that the party initiating the cross claim does not have the legal right to bring the claim, they may raise a lack of standing defense. Lack of standing arises when the plaintiff lacks the necessary legal authority, interest, or involvement in the subject of the cross claim. 3. Failure to State a Claim: This defense is commonly raised when the defendant believes that the cross claim fails to articulate specific facts or legal elements required to establish a valid cause of action. By asserting a failure to state a claim defense, the defendant argues that even if all the allegations in the cross claim are true, they still do not support a viable legal claim. 4. Comparative Negligence: In cases involving negligence, the defendant may assert a comparative negligence defense. This defense argues that the plaintiff's own actions or negligence contributed to the alleged harm and seeks to shift some or all of the liability to the plaintiff. 5. Waiver and Release: If the defendant entered into an enforceable agreement or contract with the plaintiff that includes a release or waiver of liability, they may raise a waiver and release defense. This defense asserts that the plaintiff voluntarily relinquished their right to pursue a cross claim against the defendant based on the terms of the agreement. 6. Res Indicate: Also known as claim preclusion, res judicata is a defense used when the issues raised in the cross claim have already been fully litigated or resolved in a prior case involving the same parties. By invoking res judicata, the defendant argues that the claims in the cross claim are barred due to the final judgment reached in the prior case. It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and there are other affirmative defenses and legal arguments that defendants in Oklahoma can raise in a separate answer to a cross claim. The choice of defenses depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the applicable laws. In summary, Oklahoma separate answer and affirmative defenses to cross claim allow defendants to respond to allegations made in a cross claim and present their legal arguments. Understanding the available defenses is crucial for mounting a robust defense in Oklahoma courts.