Although the vast majority of Oklahoma employees are covered by the workers' compensation, many do not understand how the system and its benefits work for them. The team of experienced workers' compensation attorneys at the Law Firm of Oklahoma are skilled at providing legal counsel and representation for clients who have sustained a work-related injury or illness.
While this page is designed to provide information regarding the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act, it is by no means an exhaustive explanation of all its complex facets. If you require further details or would like to schedule a complimentary case evaluation for a work-related injury, please contact the workers comp lawyers at the Law Firm of Oklahoma by calling (405) 608-4990 today.
The purpose of workers' compensation is to cover the costs of medical and rehabilitative care of injured workers, as well as provide financial support for lost wages during treatment and recovery. Typically paid through the employer's insurance company, benefits may be available for employees who become ill or disabled, who re-injure a former injury, or suffer the worsening of a preexisting medical condition as the result of working conditions or a workplace accident, in addition to those who are injured on the job or while performing job-related duties.
Essentially any injury, ailment, or disability which is sustained or exacerbated by working conditions or a workplace accident may be covered under Oklahoma Workers' Compensation. Such medical conditions or injuries include these and more:
Workers' compensation benefits may be available to employees who re-injure a former non-work-related injury because of working conditions or while performing work-related duties. If you have a question about workers comp eligibility for a specific injury you have incurred, contact an Oklahoma Workers' Compensation attorney.
Your first step, if you suffer an accident or illness while working, is to report your injury, ailment, or condition to a supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Cases of workers' compensation are time-sensitive, so it is imperative that you act quickly. The accident or injury must be reported within 30 days in order to be eligible for workers' compensation. While you have up to 24 months (2 years) to file a claim for benefits, you must report the accident or injury promptly. It is advisable to file an accident or injury report in writing, saving a copy for yourself, but keep in mind that you should never sign a blank accident report.
Medical care should be sought for your injury or illness, and medical and insurance records should be kept to assist in determining the level of benefits to which you are entitled. Legal counsel is available and strongly advised if you are injured on the job, so you can rest assured that a professional is looking out for your best interests.
Workers' comp claims have been handled by the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court (OWCC) for a number of years, but as one of the last states in the nation to continue in this manner, a new bill is taking effect in 2014 to handle workers' comp claims as an administrative matter. Opponents of this change claim that injured employees stand to suffer as businesses stand to gain.
If you have been injured on the job and want an experienced lawyer advocating on your behalf, you must act quickly. Under the new act, you may take your claim to the courts after all administrative avenues have been exhausted, but if you contact a workers' compensation attorney now, you may gain additional benefits through skilled representation before the changes go into effect and the road to compensation takes a new route.
Workers' compensation benefits depend, in part, upon your average weekly income at the time of the onset of your injury or illness. These benefits will pay out a percentage of your average weekly wages (AWW) for time away from work with a physician's recommendation. A successful and effective workers' compensation claim may include one or more of the following benefit types:
An attorney can help you pursue every benefit for which you are eligible. Call today to secure experienced legal counsel to assist you in your workers' compensation claim.
At the Law Firm of Oklahoma, you can receive a free case review for more personalized information regarding your specific case. If you choose to hire one of our attorneys, you will not pay any fees unless you successfully receive benefits for your claim. To find out more, call (405) 608-4990 today to schedule your complimentary consultation with an experienced Oklahoma workers' compensation lawyer.
