Being injured on the job is no walk in the park, but you will likely be entitled to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. But just like other insurers, workers’ compensation insurance companies will always be looking to minimize the amount they have to pay on a claim. In order to receive the full Oklahoma workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, here are a few good rules to follow when filing a workers’ comp claim.

Immediately Report Injuries

You must report your work-related injury within 30 days, or else you run the risk of having your claim denied. Be sure to check your state’s workers’ compensation laws, as the deadline may be even sooner. You’re much better off reporting your injuries as soon as possible. You may not even think your injury will cause you to miss work, but report it immediately to your supervisor anyway. You never know the full extent of an injury until you start needing medical treatment.

Get Names Of Witnesses

If there was anyone nearby at the time of your accident, be sure to get their names. Witnesses may be necessary to testify on your behalf in a close case, as they may need to help prove that your injury was, in fact, work-related.

Receive Medical Treatments

Don’t put off receiving medical treatments for your injuries, especially if you’re in an emergency situation. Go straight to a walk-in clinic or emergency room, or ask to be taken to one if you cannot take yourself safely. Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible even if it’s not an emergency. An insurer may be able to use your hesitation to receive medical attention against you in your claim or court case, as a truly injured person would be reasonably expected to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Accurately Describe What Transpired

You must be able to accurately describe your injuries and the accident in order to receive Oklahoma workers’ compensation. Your story needs to be consistently reflected in your medical records, but don’t get too wrapped up in the details. The simpler the information you give your health care providers, the better – don’t overload them with too much information, but also don’t mislead them about what happened.

Be sure to note that it happened while you were at work. Also, take care to note that your story is consistent everywhere. You may even authorize the insurance company to access your medical records related to the injury, but don’t give them the authorization to access any other records not related to your claim.

Find an Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve been hurt on the job and are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, there are a lot of tricky waters you’ll have to navigate. Seeking the legal advice and aid of experienced professionals can do wonders to help you reach a settlement or court decision you deserve. If you’ve been injured on the job near Tulsa, Edmond, or Oklahoma City, give us a call at Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm today.